Wayne Smith thinking about England offer – Rugby News Update
England is looking to fill various coaching positions in the current team management setup, and the former All Blacks' coach, Wayne Smith, is seriously contemplating a role with England.
Having met Stuart Lancaster, the England head coach, Smith has admitted that he discussed various positions that he could fill, such as the backs coach, defence coach or even the head coach. He further said, "I've got some major considerations to make over
the next 10 days."
Andy Farrell, the head coach of the Saracens has turned down the chance to work with Lancaster and England. His partnership with Lancaster during this year’s Six Nations tournament bore fruit, but Farrell has indicated that he is focused on the Saracens,
saying "The job isn't anywhere near half done, and I have decided I want to help finish the job."
Smith has the right credentials to become a top coach and he will certainly help England progress further. He led the All Blacks to the 2011 Rugby World Cup title and recently signed a two-year contract with Waikato-based Super Rugby side, the Chiefs. As
a player, he played for the All Blacks 17 times, making his debut against Australia in 1980 at Sydney. He played his last match for the All Blacks against Argentina on, November 2, 1985.
Smith admitted said, "I love being a head coach," but he has had reservations about the England job. He is not sure of the exact job description, adding, "The only question I had over the England job that was advertised, the actual job description of the
role...”
Smith was also praise for Lancaster, indicating that he is in line with his own thinking, calling him a humble man.
However the biggest obstacle to Smith's signing will be his desire to work with a foreign team and a side that could challenge New Zealand.
He said, "It's not just going to any team, it's going to a team that over time will potentially challenge the All Blacks, so I've got to be clear in my mind that I could be a part of that."
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