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New Zealand name Wayne Smith as defence coach

Image: Wayne Smith: Rejoining All Blacks coaching staff

New Zealand have added former assistant Wayne Smith to their coaching staff ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.

Smith was an assistant to Graham Henry between 2004 and 2011 and was a key member of the coaching team which won the 2011 World Cup on home soil.

The 57-year-old has since been working as the co-coach of the Chiefs team, who have won two Super Rugby titles, but he will now act as a defence specialist for the All Blacks under head coach Steve Hansen.

He is one of the most astute rugby coaches in world rugby and having worked with him in the past, we know just how valuable he is to any team he is involved in.
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen

"He is one of the most astute rugby coaches in world rugby and having worked with him in the past, we know just how valuable he is to any team he is involved in,” Hansen told allblacks.com.

“'Smithy' will add another dimension to what is already a strong coaching group in what will be a big year for us. We look forward to welcoming him back into the fold.

"Smithy's role will be purely around defence, but as we do with all our coaches we will tap into his vast knowledge of other areas of the game."

Smith admitted he was unsure about returning to the national side but decided to take on the role after consulting with family, as well as some of the New Zealand players.

"When I was asked to be involved in the All Blacks again for 2015, it was a case of checking whether I had the support of my family, which I did,” he said.

“I also spoke to some of the senior players in the team and everyone was incredibly supportive. 

“I care deeply about the All Blacks, I'm excited to be back and looking forward to getting stuck into next year."

Smith joins assistant coach Ian Foster, scrum coach Mike Cron and skills coach Mick Byrne on Hansen’s staff.

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