‘Doc’ Smith combined his sizable frame with a similar sized appetite for success. Having applied for two previous roles as Lions manager he realised his ambition in 1971 by returning to New Zealand (he represented the British Lions on the 1950 tour to Australia and New Zealand). Although a Scotsman with 8 caps to his name on the wing, he lives and works ‘in exile’ in Essex.

Smith has a sound understanding of the New Zealand approach to rugby and his sense of humour and medical background were invaluable. Known to employ both the carrot and certainly the stick in his motivational techniques, he could be imposingly strict when necessary (he would not suffer fools lightly); however his loyalty and commitment to the tour were without question.