Smith becomes a Brit

England coach takes up citzenship ahead of World Cup Down Under

Last updated: 8th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Smith becomes a Brit

Smith: Now a British citizen

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Australian-born England rugby league coach Tony Smith has become a British citizen.

The 41-year-old attended a ceremony in Huddersfield, where he started his coaching career in Super League back in 2001.

Since then Smith has gone on to steer the Leeds Rhinos to two Grand Final victories before becoming the full-time boss of the England team.

The man from New South Wales admits it was a proud moment to become a British citizen after living here for eight years.

Honoured

"I am both proud and honoured to become a British citizen and I am delighted to show a strong and clear commitment to this country which I have developed during my career in rugby league here," he said.

"I believe I have made a contribution to the sport in the UK over the last eight years and I look forward to continuing to do that for many more years to come.

"My family and I have made this country our home and we are all very settled and happy. We love living here."

Smith's next engagement will be to name England's squad for the World Cup Down Under in October.