Dan Ward-Smith (born 2 January, 1978 in New Zealand) is a professional rugby union player who plays at Number Eight for London Wasps.

Dan joined Bristol for the 2005-6 campaign from Plymouth Albion and looked to make a huge impression in his first season in the Premiership.

That is exactly what he did, his massive 1.93m, 115kg frame was a driving point in Bristol's survival that season, his massive strength from the No.8 position gave the Bristol backs a strong platform off which to perform, and his strength from the base of the scrum was one of the reasons why Shaun Perry shone as he did. His nickname is "mutant" amongst his peers.

He was selected for England 'A' in his first season at Bristol Rugby, making his debut against Ireland A.^[1] In his second season at the club he was called up to the 30-man England training squad for the Autumn Internationals.^[2] To the fans he is simply known as "Massive"

He missed out on a place in the 2007 England World Cup squad due to a dislocated patella^[3] after being part of the initial training squad.^[4]

After a promising start to the 2007-08 season with Bristol he broke his hand and missed out on selection for the 2008 Six Nations squad.^[5]

It was announced on the 24th March 2009 that he had signed a 2-year deal with London Wasps.^[6]

On July 7, 2009; Ward-Smith was selected for the England Saxons squad.^[7]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• England profile
• Bristol profile