Exiles ward off Smith bid

London Irish reject RFU approach for director of rugby

By Tony Curtis   Last updated: 14th May 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Exiles ward off Smith bid

Smith: Wanted man

Two weeks ago the club received an official approach about Brian Smith from the Rugby Football Union (RFU), verbally through its director of elite rugby. The club's board considered the request and rejected it.

Exiles chairman Andrew Coppel
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London Irish have rejected Martin Johnson's bid to appoint Brian Smith as England's new back coach.

The Exiles director of rugby is believed to be Johnson's first choice for the role, however the Australian still has a year to run on his current deal.

The RFU, through elite director Rob Andrew, have approached London Irish in a bid to open negotiations with the former ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs and Bath coach.

But having see Smith guide the club into the semi-final of the Heineken Cup, the Exiles are keen to keep hold of their prized asset and have attempted to warn the RFU off.

A statement issued by Exiles chairman Andrew Coppel read: "We are aware of Brian Smith's ambitions to further his career at international level at some point in the future.

"However, he is contracted to London Irish for another year and our intention is that the contract will be honoured.

"Two weeks ago the club received an official approach about Brian Smith from the Rugby Football Union (RFU), verbally through its director of elite rugby. The club's board considered the request and rejected it.

"Under various codes of conduct governing both the RFU and clubs, any approach to a player or coach who has more than six months remaining on his contract, is expressly forbidden unless the club concerned gives its consent. London Irish has given no such consent to the RFU with regard to Brian Smith."

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