Smith, whose Leicester contract expires at the end of the season, has been watching the saga from a distance, but the 31-year-old has lived through his fair share of chaos.
“It’s nothing new because when I was at the Ospreys I was out of contract when a merger was coming around the corner,” said Smith.
“It’s a bit easier for me now that I am out of the picture, but when I was in it things were distracting and stressful.”
The Swansea-born forward believes a willingness among players and coaches to talk about problems is helpful.
“If we want to get something off our chests – and that’s not just what is going on now in Welsh rugby, it’s anything – then we do,” he added.
“That’s what Steve [Tandy] wants because with a clear mind you can give your best for the team.”
