By Di O’Connell
After last year's controversy at the Hurricanes it would be fair to say that players who could not stand the heat got out of the kitchen. But they were right back in it this morning, quite literally, led by their new chief chef Conrad Smith.
Stirring things up at the Hurricanes, Smith is working on a new recipe for success as he participates in a group that has grown from nourishing low-decile students to a project promoting healthy eating to all kids as well healthy lifestyle activities, like Zumba.
The skipper was sideline after only a week back from holiday and he might still miss their first Super rugby game.
“When I planned this originally a few years ago it was to take a few more weeks and they were accepting of that – a lot has changed since then but hopefully it will work out,” says Smith.
One thing that has changed is the captaincy, and Smith's new leadership has the fans' backing.
“Oh it’s really good – he deserves it. He has been there for ages,” says Regan Bailey.
And although charity might begin at home, Smith took it on the road recently - teaching rugby to African children on his three month post-World Cup trip.
“It was an amazing experience. It’s pretty tough at times but then pretty inspirational as well – what people deal with over there,” he says.
And Hurricanes fans will want Smith to channel that inspiration to serve up a more mouth watering product than last season.
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