Wayne Smith not to join the England team – Rugby News Update
Wayne Smith, the former All Blacks’ assistant, has turned down the chance to work with the Stuart Lancaster, the England head coach, and has refused the offer extended to him by the Rugby Football Union.
This comes as a big blow to Stuart Lancaster, who was hoping that Smith would join his team management at the commencement of the South African tour, which takes place in June this year. Smith would have joined the team after the tour of South Africa if
he has accepted the offer. However, the coach of the Chiefs has decided to stay in his native New Zealand, citing family reasons, specifically the need to be closer to his elderly parents.
Commenting on his refusal, Ian Ritchie the CEO of RFU said, "We are disappointed but it is important to remember we already have some very talented coaches on board. We will take stock after the tour and make sure we do all we can to support Stuart in building
a coaching team to take us through to 2015."
Mike Catt, the backs’ coach of the London Irish has been added to the backroom staff, and will join the England team on the 7th of May. The announcement was made by the Exiles a few days ago, and they have also confirmed that their former player
will not be joining the club once his tenure with the England team finished.
However, Catt was buoyant about joining the England back-staff and he wants to add to the work that is being done by Stuart Lancaster. On his appointment he said, "I was very impressed with England during the Six Nations, not just the way they played but
the culture that is developing, and hopefully I can complement what Stuart and Graham are doing."
Stuart Lancaster was really hoping that Wayne Smith joined him as a coach after his first choice Andy Farrell could not negotiate a contract with the RFU. This has left the Lancaster without his first two choices, but in Mike Catt he has a person who has
played at the highest level and will only grow as a coach under his astute guidance.
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