Smith came to note as a rugby player during the 1880–81 season when he joined first class club Cardiff.
In the 1882–83 season he shared the role of club secretary with W. H. Treat, Smith at the time was articled to Cardiff's Town Clark.
Smith did not play in the next international, with his place taken by Thomas Baker Jones, but regained his position for the final game of the tournament, a win over Ireland.
Smith played one more international game for Wales when he was selected for the opening match of the 1885 Championship.
Played at St. Helen's against England, Wales were again beaten, and Smith was not part of the next match, his position taken by Edward Alexander.