The 25-year-old centre, who is with the England Saxons squad at the Barclays Churchill Cup this summer, has confirmed that he has signed a two-year contract at French Top 14 club Montpelier after 182 appearances and 38 tries for Tigers.
Smith graduated from the Tigers terraces to become a firm favourite at his home-town club, and reserved special praise for the supporters when he agreed his move to France.
“I would like to thank all of the fans for their support during my time with Leicester Tigers,” said Smith who played in three Premiership-winning squads and in 2002 became the youngest-ever Heineken Cup winner when Tigers retained the European title by beating Munster.
“I always classed myself as a Tigers fan before becoming a player. Now I suppose I am going back to being a fan.
“As a fan, you always hope that your support from the touchline is felt by the players on the pitch and I have been lucky enough to experience it from the other side and know that that is the case.
“I appreciate everything the supporters have done for me as a player. Their support is what makes the club.”
Smith has played in both of England Saxons’ victories in the Barclays Churchill Cup and is now preparing for the final against Scotland A on Saturday.
“I’ve had a great time with Leicester Tigers, but I also want to experience life and rugby somewhere else,” he said.
“Montpelier is a family club, they’ve come through the leagues in France and now want to push on even further. It is an exciting time to be joining them and I’m really looking forward to it.
“If any Tigers supporters find themselves in the Montpelier area it would be great to see them at a game.
“I would love to come back to Tigers at some stage in my career after experiencing rugby in other places.”
