Talented Aussie youngster Charlie Smith is used to playing his rugby for one the country's leading clubs – but that hasn't stopped him trying his luck in London Division Three North East.

The 18-year-old flanker is currently playing for Southwold after taking a break from the Sydney-based New South Wales Waratahs to visit the UK.

A member of the Super Rugby giants' colts team, Squint, as he is known, had opportunities to play at a higher level over here – but chose Southwold after meeting two of their players while they were playing Down Under last year. Fellow 18-year-olds Callum Anthony and Phil Pymer obviously did a good job selling their home club and now Southwold are reaping the benefits of Smith's talents.

'It's great to have a player of Squint's ability here,' said head coach Seb Anthony. 'He plays at a very high standard back home and is obviously hoping to make it into Waratahs' first team at some stage. I understand a number of Premiership sides wanted him to play for their Under-23s when he was over here but he decided to play with his mates. He's a top class player and a really nice young man and obviously we are delighted to have him here!'

Smith made his debut as a centre as Southwold saw off Stowmarket to reach tomorrow's final of the Suffolk Cup, and featured again in the home league match against East London, scoring two tries in a 29-26 defeat, Sadly he will be missing through injury this weekend when his new team-mates attempt to secure county silverware for the first time at Woodbridge – but he should be available for the rest of the season and beyond.

'We have still got a couple of league games to play – and then we'll be looking to get him involved in some sevens tournaments, because he has got all the attributes to be a real top player in that format too,' added Anthony.

• There is also cup action in Norfolk tomorrow, with Crusaders entertaining Thetford in the first round of the Junior Cup (2pm). It will be the second match between the two sides in the space of eight days, with Thetford having won 31-25 in the league last weekend to all but clinch the Eastern Counties One title.