Former Wallabies and rugby league star Brian Smith has tragically died, aged 59.

Smith had been battling an “aggressive cancer” in recent months with his death shocking the sporting world.

Smith was a dual rugby union international, playing six Tests for Australia in 1987 before switching allegiances to Ireland and playing a further nine matches.

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He then switched to rugby league, linking up with former Australia coach Alan Jones at Balmain. Smith played 37 games in three seasons at the Tigers before finishing his career at the Easts.

Post playing career, Smith held a variety of coaching roles, including being appointed England’s attack coach for the 2011 World Cup.

Brian Smith in action for Australia during the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Credit: Getty

He was most recently head of sport at Scots College in Sydney where he coached the GPS representative team, including current Wallaby prop Angus Bell.

“He was my coach in GPS and New South Wales twos. I was 16 and fair to say that I wouldn’t have played anywhere near as good without him,” Bell said.

“Jeremy Williams, Will Harris and I were really close with him, and he was a great bloke, a great father, a great coach. Very sad.

“He coached a lot of us coming through the grades and just want to say it’s a really sad time and we’re wishing the best for his wife and kids.

“He was an avid rugby person and helped a lot of individuals in the squad so just sending my condolences from the Wallabies and both myself.”

Smith (circled) with the 1987 Australian team. Credit: @WallabiesRugby

Scots College principal Dr Ian PM Lambert also paid tribute to the much-loved coach.

“Brian had been very unwell in recent months and was battling an aggressive cancer,” he wrote to school colleagues.

“This is very sad news for our College community and I know it will come as a shock to many of you who knew and worked closely with him.

“Our immediate thoughts are with Brian’s wife Lisa, his daughters Ruby and Santana, and his son Chilli.”

Former president of the Scots College Old Boys Union and school’s rugby committee Mat Collet also paid tribute.

“I worked with him a lot over the years. He put his heart and soul into rugby at the College and the boys loved him,” he said.

“A loss to the rugby and the league community.”