Wayne Smith ponders 'several options' with Harlequins in talks
Thursday 11 February 2016 08:21, UK
Wayne Smith has confirmed he has "several options" after Sky sources revealed the former New Zealand coach is in talks with Harlequins to succeed Conor O'Shea at the end of the season.
Smith, who helped coach the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cup victories, left his national side to take a sabbatical after last year's triumph and is known to be keen on a return to club rugby.
The highly-regarded coach was one of the early favourites to replace Stuart Lancaster at England before Eddie Jones' appointment.
"No comment really," Smith told New Zealand's Radio Sport when questioned about a Harlequins deal.
"I'm considering several options regarding my coaching future, whilst also trying to have a short break from the game. I'm a wee way from making any decisions."
The 58-year-old, a former centre for New Zealand, was head coach of the All Blacks in 2000 and 2001 before spending three years with Northampton.
He then became Graham Henry's assistant for eight years, culminating in the 2011 World Cup victory, and spent two years as assistant coach at Super Rugby side Waikato Chiefs before returning to the All Blacks last year.
