Smith stands down

Smith: Standing down

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Tony Smith has stepped down as England rugby league coach, just 12 hours after watching his side lose the Four Nations final against Australia.

England were humbled 46-16 at Elland Road, but Smith says that the result had no bearing on his decision to stand down from his post.

The 42-year-old Australian took over from Brian Noble in March 2007, but his contract was at an end and he said after Saturday's defeat that he would be considering his future.

Smith is also coach of Super League side Warrington, and he thinks it would be impossible to combine the two roles going forward.

With the Four Nations being played Down Under next year, Smith says he would be spending too much time away from his family and therefore decided not to continue as England coach.

Successor search

The former Leeds Rhinos boss says he will help the RFL to look for a successor as head coach, but could not continue in the role himself.

"I have greatly enjoyed my time as national coach and wish the team all the best in the future," said Smith on Radio Five Live. "All of my coaching career I have put my personal aspirations first, however I must now consider the needs of my family.

"I must consider my family's needs as well as my own, and therefore believe now is the right time to stand down. I will continue to support the national team in any way I can and wish my successor the very best of luck."

RFL chairman Richard Lewis said: "Tony explained to us before the start of the Gillette Four Nations his reasons for not wanting to continue as national coach, which we appreciate, and we wish him well for his future.

"Our aim is to win the 2013 World Cup and by including so many youngsters in his Gillette Four Nations squad Tony has certainly set the wheels in motion to achieve this."

Smith has settled in England with his family after taking out dual citizenship in 2008, and he is contracted with Warrington until 2011.