Smith excited at Braid signing

Qantas Wallabies flanker George Smith, with dreads, tackled by new Queensland Red Daniel Braid in a Super Rugby match in 2003.

Record breaking Qantas Wallabies and Brumbies flanker George Smith is excited about the Queensland Red’s historic signing of his All Blacks counterpart Daniel Braid, saying it could only benefit Australian Rugby.

On Sunday, New Zealander Braid became the first overseas-born marquee player signed under the ARU's new Foreign Player Policy, which allows the four Australian Investec Super 14 teams to sign an international player, who is ineligible for Australian selection.

Braid, New Zealand's 2007 Super 14 Player of the Year, and regular backup to All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw, will replace retired Reds openside stalwart David Croft.

''He [Braid] can only benefit Australian Rugby,'' Smith told AAP yesterday at the Wallabies' second pre-spring tour camp in Sydney.

''He's played for the All Blacks and at Super 14 level very regularly for the past few years and his experience will definitely be valuable for the Queensland Reds.

''It was a surprise to me, but it's great to hear. He'll be able to pass his intellectual property to the Reds players.''

Reds coach Phil Mooney rejected the suggestion Braid's signing would in any way stunt the development of a youngster like Tasi Luafutu.

''Not at all and the ARU have got some pretty definite guidelines,'' Mooney said. ''... We always planned to have Crofty. We were caught unawares when he retired.

''We brought Tasi along at stages this year. The reality is there was no one of a frontline Super 14 standard.

''I see some real benefits in that Daniel can pass on his knowledge to young guys in our squad and academy.

''All of our guys are excited that he's signed with us as they have played against him and rate him very highly.''