Conrad Smith leaves France for New Zealand

Two-time World Cup winner Conrad Smith has left his role as head of player development with French Top 14 side Pau having returned home to New Zealand, the club has confirmed.

"Forced to return to New Zealand for family reasons, the current health situation does not allow a return to France in normal conditions for Conrad and his family," said the French club in a statement.

The 39-year-old joined Pau in 2015 after the All Blacks won a second successive Rugby World Cup title. He played three seasons in France before joining the club’s coaching staff.

“This decision is difficult to make but it is necessary in view of the health context and my personal situation," he said.

"I remain deeply attached to this club and I retain only the positive of my 6 years spent in the Section, I loved discovering Béarn and France as well as the supporters around the club. 

"I will continue to serve the Section in a different way and I will remain its number one supporter in New Zealand! I hope to be able to return to Béarn soon and support the Section again. I would like to sincerely thank the club, its President, its supporters and partners for their welcome and their confidence which made my experience in TOP 14 so wonderful. "