Smith started out his career playing for Western Province in South Africa, where he was a member of their youth system between 2009 and 2010 and also made five appearances during the 2010 Vodacom Cup season.

Both brothers linked up with the Australian National Academy and Jean-Pierre was a member of various development sides before heading south in 2013 to join the Brumbies.

Although not named in either the regular or extended playing squads for the 2013 Super Rugby season, Smith was a member of the Brumbies group that traveled to South Africa and New Zealand for the Super Rugby semi-final and final.

[4] Smith made his Super Rugby debut on 7 March 2014 as a second-half replacement for Scott Sio as the Brumbies defeated the Hurricanes 29-21 in Wellington.

In July 2015, it was announced that Smith would return to former side Western Province for the 2015 Currie Cup Premier Division campaign.