All Black, Highlanders and Otago fullback Ben Smith and wife Katie became proud parents yesterday with the birth of daughter Annabelle Clair Smith.
The baby, who arrived yesterday morning, is the first for the couple, who were married in Wanaka in January this year.
Smith (28) confirmed to the Otago Daily Times both mother and daughter were doing well.
Annabelle has good sporting genes, Ben being an All Black and Katie a former national junior basketball representative and a top triathlete.
Smith missed training yesterday - with the full approval of the coaching staff - but is expected to be right for today's captain's run at Forsyth Barr Stadium and the Highlanders' match against the Waratahs tomorrow night.
The baby was due last Friday night, when Smith was playing in Hamilton, but maybe she knew Dad was away helping the Highlanders to victory and waited until he returned.
Fatherhood will be a highlight of what is looming as a busy year for Smith.
If he stays on the paddock he will bring up a century of games for the Highlanders this season and all going well will travel to England in September to play for the All Blacks in the World Cup.
