Wayne Smith announces decision on future
Wayne Smith, assistant coach of the Chiefs watches the team warm up before the round one Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and the Highlanders at Waikato Stadium on February 25, 2012 in Hamilton, New Zealand. by Sandra Mu / Getty Images
Chiefs Assistant Coach Wayne Smith has today announced his decision about his future.
After much consideration, Wayne Smith has decided to stay in New Zealand instead of going to England to coach.
Wayne Smith said “My family and my coaching position at the Chiefs were the key factors in my decision. My family are in Putaruru and with my parents in their 80’s, this is an opportunity to spend more time with them. I also have two sons in Auckland and Christchurch, so being a short distance from them was very important.
I am loving my role at the chiefs and am excited by the future here. The fact that I also love the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby were highly significant in my decision. Steve Tew and the NZRU have been very loyal to me over the years and repaying that support was also important to me.”
Smith was impressed with England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster and went on to say “I totally respect the way the RFU have given me time to weigh up my future and would like to wish Stuart Lancaster all the best. They have a good man in Stuart, a coach who has a very clear vision and will create a powerful team.”
Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson “We are thrilled Wayne is staying. It is fantastic news, not only for the Chiefs but for New Zealand rugby as well.”
Wayne Smith, is a former All Blacks Assistant Coach and attack coach. He was an All Blacks Technical Advisor in 1998 and 1999 before taking over the top job for the following two seasons. He then spent three seasons with English club Northampton. He also coached the Crusaders to the Super 12 title in 1998 with Peter Sloane and again in 1999 with Steve Hansen. Wayne played 35 games (17 Tests) at first five-eighth for the All Blacks between 1980 and 1985. He scored 6 tries and dropped 4 goals for the All Blacks. Unusually, all six of his Test points were scored by dropped goal.
Coaching Roles: Crusaders 1997-98, All Blacks Technical Advisor 1998-99, All Blacks Coach 2000-01,Northampton Saints Coach 2001-04, All Blacks Assistant Coach 2004-11, Chiefs Assistant Coach 2012.
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