Owen-Smith played cricket in 5
Tests in 1929 for
South Africa, all during the
tour of England, and was named
Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1930. He was capped 10 times in rugby union by England from 1934 to 1937. He was captain throughout the
1937 Home Nations Championship, so he captained England three times. He is regarded as having been a fine attacking
full-back and a great of the game. He also gained awards in boxing and athletics whilst at university in England. He played one match for
Leicester Tigers against
Waterloo F.C. in 1933. ==Medical career==