[1][3] Smith appeared on the losing side in three Challenge Cup finals; in the 1899–1900, 1901–02 and 1902–03 seasons.
Smith made his debut for Salford in 1897,[4] having joined the club from Welsh rugby union side Swansea RFC.
[5] Smith played fullback in Salford's 8-16 defeat by Swinton in the 1900 Challenge Cup Final during the 1899–1900 season at Fallowfield Stadium, Manchester, in front of a crowd of 17,864, and played fullback in the 0-25 defeat by Broughton Rangers in the 1902 Challenge Cup final, during the 1901–02 season at Athletic Grounds, Rochdale, in front of a crowd of 15,006, and played fullback the 0-7 defeat by Halifax in the 1903 Challenge Cup final, during the 1902–03 season at Headingley, Leeds, in front of a crowd of 32,507.
Following the end of the 1903–04 season, Smith emigrated to Canada.
[6] Smith won a cap as a fullback for the Other Nationalities in their 9-3 victory over England at Central Park, Wigan on Tuesday 5 April 1904.