Ben Smith (rugby union)
A versatile and fearless fullback, his impeccable positioning and clutch play made him a cornerstone of the All Blacks' dominant era.
Born 1986 (age 40)·New Zealand rugby union player, born 1986·Birthday: June 1·Millennials
Biography
Ben Smith's path to the All Blacks jersey was not that of a hyped schoolboy star, but of a persistent craftsman from Dunedin. He honed his skills with Otago and the Highlanders, initially as a winger before finding his true home at fullback. What he lacked in flashy size, he made up for with a rugby brain of the highest order—anticipating plays, fielding kicks with unflappable calm, and launching counter-attacks from the back. His reliability became legendary; he was the player coaches never had to worry about. Smith was integral to New Zealand's 2015 Rugby World Cup victory, starting every match, and his partnership with Israel Dagg redefined the back-three role. After a storied Super Rugby career with the Highlanders, which included a 2015 title, he took his talents to France and Japan before retiring as one of the most respected and consistent backs of his generation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ben was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ben Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ben's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks in 2015, starting in every match of the tournament.
- Captained the Highlanders to their first-ever Super Rugby championship title in 2015.
- Earned 84 test caps for New Zealand, scoring 33 tries for the All Blacks.
- Won the Rugby Championship title with New Zealand on multiple occasions throughout his international career.
- Was named New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year in 2013.
Did You Know?
He is nicknamed 'Ben from Accounts' due to his university degree in accounting and his unassuming demeanor.
He made his All Blacks debut off the bench against Italy in 2009, scoring a try with his first touch of the ball.
He and his wife Katie are avid golfers.
He played his 100th match for the Highlanders in 2018, a milestone for the franchise.
“My job is to catch the high ball, make my tackles, and find the grass.”
