Kidney: Smal will see out contract

ANY doubts about Gert Smal’s future with Ireland were put to rest in Limerick yesterday when head coach Declan Kidney insisted the South African would be seeing out his contract, despite rumours linking him with a move home.

Kidney, speaking at a press conference in the build up to Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Wales the weekend after next, confirmed he had spoken with Smal and had been assured the forwards coach was in Irish rugby for the long haul — in this case at least until his contract expires in June of next year.

“He’s that type of man, you’d be speaking to him from the very start. He’ll be with us. His contract goes to June 12 months, he’ll be with us,” said Kidney, who also confirmed he had been asked about his availability to have a coaching involvement with the British and Irish Lions next year.