London Irish have announced the immediate departure of their Director of Rugby Brian Smith, with the Australian reportedly set to move back to Australia with his family.
Smith, who coached the Ireland national team from 1989 to 1991, departs with London Irish in 11th place in the table 20 points ahead of bottom team London Welsh. Smith leaves the club on compassionate grounds in the middle of the season, with forwards coach Glenn Delaney appointed interim coach.
Brian Smith leaves London Irish http://t.co/6KGcYza3wa
— London Irish (@londonirish) January 13, 2015
Kidney Coaching Return?
According to The Telegraph, it's an Irish figure that is tipped to be involved in proceedings at the Exiles.
Former Munster, Leinster and Ireland coach Declan Kidney is reportedly being lined up to take over for next season, and he will add to a growing Irish population at the London club. Kidney is currently the Director of Sport at UCC having been out of rugby since his sacking as Irish coach after a disappointing Six Nations in 2013.
London Irish have a large Irish contigent at the club, with Tom Court, Conor Gilsenan, Eoin Griffen and Eamonn Sheridan among their playing stock, although Tomas O'Leary will leave at the end of the season, and Tom Court's playing time could decrease due to the acquisition of All Black loosehead prop Ben Franks.
