The 32-year old prop joined the Tigers two years ago having spent his senior career at the Ospreys and was only tempted to leave because the Sharks offered him a three-year contract.
Smith’s wife, Kirsty, has remained in Wales while he has been in the Midlands so their three children can be educated in the Welsh language and that will not change when the 63-cap Wales forward moves to Manchester.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time at Leicester,” said Smith. “I thought I would spend the whole of my career in Wales but moving here is the best thing I could have done.”
Grown
He added: “I have grown as a player and as a person. That is down to the club and everyone here.
“I have been able to be myself here and it was a bit of a shock to receive a reception from the crowd in our final home game of the regular season against Exeter.
“When I came here there was a lot of forward stuff and I loved the old school feeling.
“Geoff (Parling, head coach, above) has evolved our game this season and there was an exciting feeling around the place now we came to the nitty-gritty part of the season with silverware at stake.”
Leicester have been challenging at the top end of the table this season while Alex Sanderson’s Sale have had their worst campaign this decade.
The Sharks went into their final match at home to Bristol Bears needing a point to secure Champions Cup qualification.
On the move: Nicky Smith in action for Leicester Tigers
PICTURES: Getty Images
Tough decision
“It has been disappointing for them but they have come out on the wrong side of some results and they have a lot of boys coming in.
“We played them a few weeks ago and they still pack a physical presence.
“Leaving Leicester was a tough decision and it came down to the length of contract which was important given my age.
“My family live in Wales and I have to make sure we have a stable income for as long as possible.
“I love playing for Leicester but Sale was an opportunity I could not turn down. I know that I made the right decision.”
Exeter prop Scott Sio reckons there could have been no complaints had the Leicester front row of Smith, Jamie Blamire and Joe Heyes all made the Premiership‘s team of the season
“The scrum is part of our nuts and bolts and it has been really positive this season,” said Smith. “You know at this club that it is not your jersey, you just loan it.
“I appreciated arriving here that the props before me had left massive boots to fill.
“The future for Leicester is very positive and I would not be surprised if they are in this position for many years to come.
“They will always be up there and I know that playing against them next season will be an unbelievable challenge.”
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