Wayne Smith moves to Chiefs as Assistant Coach and attracts key New Zealand Rugby Union players
Former New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) player and current All Blacks assistant coach, Wayne Smith, has signed an initial one-year deal with the Waikato based Super Rugby franchise Chiefs to work as their assistant coach.
Chiefs’ officials have confirmed the signing of the All Blacks coach in a statement released on their website on Wednesday, June 29. Smith will work alongside the newly appointed head coach, Dave Rennie, and assistant coach Tom Coventry.
The 54-year-old Smith has attracted some high profile NZRU players who are noe seriously considering making a switch to the Chiefs. According to media reports, Chiefs are expecting the signing of the All Blacks stars Aaron Cruden, Ma'a Nonu, and Sonny Bill
Williams for their next season campaign.
NZRU Chief Executive Officer, Steve Tew, has expressed his delight at Smith’s decision to remain with the union. He added, “Smithy is a world-class coach with huge mana and not just within rugby circles. He is hugely respected, continues to be an inspirational
influence for many rugby players and it is a huge plus to be keeping him in New Zealand.”
Chiefs’ Chief Executive Officer, Gary Dawson, has welcomed the signing of Smith with the New Zealand derby. Commenting on the assistant coaches appointment, Dawson said, “The Chiefs are thrilled to have a coach of Wayne's calibre onboard, Both the Chiefs
squad and region will benefit hugely from Wayne's decision to join us. Wayne is internationally recognised as an outstanding coach and we are very fortunate to have someone with his experience, knowledge and skill join our coaching group.”
Chiefs head coach for the next season, Dave Rennie, termed Smith as one of the best rugby coaches in the world. Providing the details of the role Smith would play in next season’s campaign, Rennie added, “His role will primarily be around defence and counter-attack,
his experience will be of huge benefit to our playing and coaching group as a whole.”
Smith was also excited at the opportunity presented by the Chiefs to do something for his hometown club. He also reiterated his decision to step down from the role of All Blacks assistant coach after the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He further added that he’ll
make the most of the opportunity and try to develop the local players who could later play for Chiefs and NZRU.
Commenting on working for the club, Smith added, “Even though I've lived in Christchurch for many years and consider myself a proud Cantabrian, I am also a Waikato boy. I have family and lifelong friends there and am really excited to take up this opportunity
with the Chiefs.”
Smith’s signing is a major boost for the Chiefs campaign next season and their efforts to build a strong squad, particularly after losing some of their key players to the Northern Hemisphere clubs at the end of Super Rugby's season.
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