‘My baby healed me’ – Smith’s ‘miracle’ return
FORMER Black Ferns lock Charmaine Smith has made a ‘‘miracle’’ return to rugby that she puts down to her new baby’s special healing powers.
Smith was unveiled yesterday as the latest member of the Blues women’s squad, who have started training in preparation for the historic Super Rugby Aupiki season, and the 31-yearold, 27-test Black Fern didn’t mind admitting it was an opportunity she never figured on getting.
The Whangarei-born former North Harbour and Auckland player retired from all rugby at the start of 2020 when it was discovered she had a bulging disc in her back that was pressing on her spinal cord. Medical advice was her sporting career was over.
But then things began to change. Smith had a follow-up scan that showed some improvement in her condition, but not enough for a return to play. Then she fell pregnant, and after baby Amı¯ria was born four months ago, she was able to finally go back for a check on her condition – just eight days after the birth.
‘‘It was over for me,’’ said Smith yesterday at Blues headquarters after her first training run in two years. And then it wasn’t. They weren’t very optimistic at the first scan and said it may stay like that forever.
‘‘I always hoped, but didn’t want to get my hopes up too much because it might never have come right.
‘‘But sometimes they can just clear and mine has. I like to say my baby healed me.’’
So, once Smith had the medical green-light, a return to rugby was a no-brainer for this now Dargaville-based sergeant in the New Zealand Police.
‘‘I feel like I never got to leave on my terms, and it’s always felt like I’ve had unfinished business in rugby,’’ added Smith who was a key part of the 2017 World Cupwinning Black Ferns team.
‘‘I want to achieve more and see where I can go. It has felt a lot like redemption I guess – I get to come back and can end my career on my terms.
‘‘When you’re forced out of doing something that was part of your identity, you reassess things and realise what is most important in life. I’ve got a great career in the police, and an amazing family who have supported me.
‘‘But this is super special. It’s something I never expected and I’m really grateful the coaches have faith in me. Doing it as a mum as well gives you a whole new perspective. Girls can do anything – mums can do anything. She doesn’t know at
the moment but I hope one day I can make her proud.’’
Asked about her ambitions to put an exclamation on her fairytale return and make it all the way back into the Black Ferns for their first tilt at a World Cup on Kiwi soil, a smile lit up on the 1.83-metre lock’s face.
‘‘I’ve always wanted to be the best I can. Ask anyone: I’m a tryhard, I just want to see where I can go. I don’t have expectations on myself, but I’m fully committed to do everything I can to be the best in the world if I can.’’
A message then for underpressure Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore who was at the Blues training session?
‘‘Yeah, you can say I’m available.’’
Blues coach Willie Walker is certainly rapt he has such an experienced campaigner in his mix for their shot at the inaugural title.
‘‘It’s exciting. Having somebody of her calibre, talent and experience within our group is only going to be a bonus. It just shows the determination and mindset she has. Being told you can’t play footy again, and for her to have that opportunity again is really awesome.
‘‘We’ll support her in finding her way back. We have no expectations on her in terms of making sure she’s ready for the first game. We’ve got to be realistic around how she reintegrates back into footy.’’
And Walker said the Blues players were relaxed about the uncertainty that surrounded the Aupiki competition under the new Covid framework, with a start date yet to be confirmed.
‘‘We know NZ Rugby are pushing hard to make it happen, and we can only do what we can control, we’re just focusing on getting through this weekend – our first on-field training camp. At the same time we know in 2-3 weeks we’ll be into some proper footy, and we’ve got to manage that.’’ It can’t come quickly enough for Smith. ‘‘I feel like I’m walking on a cloud at the moment.’’
‘I want to achieve more and see where I can go. It has felt a lot like redemption I guess – I get to come back and can end my career on my terms.’ CHARMAINE SMITH