Irish announce new rugby director

London Irish today announced the appointment of Australian Brian Smith as their new rugby director.

Smith, a dual international capped by Australia and Ireland during his playing career, will head up a back-room team which includes current head coach Gary Gold and assistant coach Paul Hull.

Smith has signed a three-year contract and he will take up his post on April 14, moving to the Zurich Premiership outfit following a year with Ricoh Rugby Club in Japan.

Prior to his Far East move, 38-year-old Smith spent two seasons at Bath, helping them reach the 2004 Premiership play-off final.

“We are pleased to have secured Brian as the club’s new director of rugby at this important time,” said London Irish chairman Brendan Mullin.

“Having played with him and against him on the international stage, I know what a talented man he is, and I am confident he will take this club forward, both in the Premiership and in Europe.”

Smith’s initial task, though, will be to oversee the final few weeks of a league season that could yet see Irish dragged into the relegation mix.

The Exiles currently lie ninth in the Premiership, just seven points above bottom club Leeds with only four games remaining.

Irish, meanwhile, have also confirmed that managing director Conor O’Shea has now taken up his new role – announced earlier this season – as the Rugby Football Union’s director of regional academies.

The club will appoint a new managing director shortly.