This weekend’s East Midlands derby against Leicester Tigers will be Smith’s first game since the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, having completed his mandatory rest period.
He described the experience as “an absolute privilege”, while admitting to being frustrated with his performances on the pitch.
“When I reflect on it, no one can take that series from me,” he said.
“It is the pinnacle of the sport, but I have enough self-awareness to realise I didn’t play my best rugby on tour and it didn’t go as I would have liked.
“But in terms of the experience, the scale, being around the best players in the world is such a brilliant thing.
“Having been away from the game, gone on my holidays, digested that, it’s been nice to take the emotion out of it.
“Whilst I might have been on one hand frustrated, what can I learn, what can I take out of it and bring back into this season, how do I keep getting better? It starts this Saturday.”
Northampton expect to welcome back all of their four Lions players – Smith, Henry Pollock, Tommy Freeman and Alex Mitchell – to take on the Tigers.
“I am desperate to play well but I am well aware that if you try to pull rabbits out of hats and have the best game of your life it will go the other way,” Smith said.
“I need to stay nice and calm, do my job and hopefully that will lead to me performing well and impressing the powers that be.
“But first and foremost we need a good result for the town.”
PC Faizaan Najeeb, 24, who sadly died on FridayCredit: Northants Police
2
He was based with the Wellingborough response teamCredit: Northants Police
A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene of the fatal collision and has been bailed by police pending further investigation.
Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police Ivan Balhatchet led the tributes, with former colleagues at Bedfordshire Police adding their own condolences.
The Chief Constable said: “Words cannot describe the sadness felt when an officer loses his life serving in the line of duty.
“The entire Northamptonshire Police family wish to pass on our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this truly awful point in time.
“Colleagues from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are still investigating the collision, and specialist family liaison officers will continue to support Faizaan’s family in the coming days and weeks.
“We are also carrying out an internal health and safety investigation.”
PC Najeeb was responding to a single vehicle collision in Station Road, Raunds, near Wellingborough, on September 19 when he was hit by a blue VW Polo car.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, he sadly lost his life a week later on September 26.
His former colleagues on the Bedford Community team said: “Those that knew him are absolutely devastated by his death, and he will be sorely missed.
“His ability to lift spirits was infectious, and he was always so happy.
Crash Shuts M4: Thousands of Drivers Face Delays at Junction 37
“Faizaan would do anything for anyone, and although he was only with us for a short time, his legacy and impact on those that worked with him remains.
“His memory lives on and will not be forgotten.
“The joy he brought to people that he met can never be replicated, and those on the Community Policing Team, as well as those in other departments will miss him.
“It is with great sadness that PCSO 7001 and PC 1967 has signed off from duty. His memory will live on.
“Thank you, Faizaan, for all the joy and the legacy you brought us.”
A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said after the tragedy: “We are very sad to hear about the death of our former colleague, Faizaan Najeeb.
“Faizaan joined us in February 2021 as a PCSO with the Bedford Community Policing Team.
“He then moved onto to become a PC with Northamptonshire Police in May 2022.”
Alaa Abouzanad on behalf of the Northamptonshire Council of Mosques also paid tribute to the young officer.
In a letter to Chief Constable Balhatchet he said: “On behalf of the Northamptonshire Council of Mosques, we wish to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of your colleague, PC Faizaan Najeeb.
“His service and dedication to keeping our communities safe will always be remembered and honoured.
“At this difficult time, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his colleagues, and the wider policing community.
“We stand with you in solidarity and support.
“May Allah grant him forgiveness, mercy, and the highest place in Jannah – paradise – and grant his family patience, strength, and comfort in this time of grief.”
PC Najeeb joined Northamptonshire Police in May 2022 and had served with the Response team in Wellingborough ever since.
In line with tradition for officers who have passed away while in the line of duty, his collar number P1967 will be retired in his memory.
This week the Northamptonshire Police will hold a two-minute silence in memory of their fallen colleague at its Wootton Hall headquarters, where a flag has been flown at half-mast in his honour.
