Smyth signs first senior contract with Leinster

Carlow's Stephen Smyth this week signed his very first senior contract with Leinster Rugby.

The young hooker joined the Leinster Academy two years ago, having begun his career at County Carlow before moving on to Kilkenny College. 

Once a Gaelic footballer with the Carlow minors, Smyth now represents Old Wesley in the All Ireland League. 

Still just 21 years old, he has previously captained the Leinster U18, Leinster U19 and most recently Leinster A - all before making his senior debut during the 2024-25 season.

Internationally, Smyth represented Ireland at U20 level, including at the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa, and his been selected for the Ireland A squad for the last two years. 

The news comes in the same week as Leinster announcing the temporary return of another Carlow front row forward  - Ed Byrne.