Boss Smith quits after Four Nations final defeat
TONY SMITH has resigned as England rugby league coach, citing family reasons for stepping down.
The 42-year-old’s decision comes in the aftermath of Saturday’s crushing 46-16 Four Nations final defeat to Australia but he insists the result had no bearing on his departure.
“Even if we had won last night I’d still have stepped down,” Smith said.
Smith, who took charge in March 2007, will remain as head coach of Warrington Wolves but he wants to have more time to spend with his family.
“All of my coaching career I have put my personal aspirations first, however I must now consider the needs of my family,” he added.
“I will continue to support the national team in any way I can and wish my successor the very best of luck.”
Of his 16 games in charge, he oversaw 10 victories, including a 3-0 Test series whitewash of New Zealand in 2007, and led his team to the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup.