All Black Legend Joins Pau Coaching Staff

Former All Black and Hurricanes centre Conrad Smith has taken up a coaching job at French club Pau.

Smith, who played 94 Tests at centre for the All Blacks, 43 games for Wellington, 126 games for the Hurricanes and 52 for Pau, joins the coaching staff of the French club just seven weeks after retiring from rugby.

"I always like to run and even if I stop the rugby I am still very active," said Smith.

"I have been thinking about what we can change, what other teams are doing well, what we can imitate, or adapt, to suit us. In rugby there is never only one way to do things. A defensive system may suit one team but not another and because of that it is important to observe, understand and adapt," he said.

Smith added that there was still plenty to learn about the game he had graced.

"During my career, I've always played the same position, without really being interested in the forwards but now I have to take account of all the parameters.

"I have to accept the fact that I still don't know a lot about rugby and that I will compensate for this by talking with players and coaches. Of course, I also hope that my playing experience will be a help, but I know perfectly well that good players do not necessarily become good coaches."

Club coach, and former All Black, Simon Mannix said while the club would lose a player they would welcome his contribution to the coaching panel which also includes Smith's 2007 World Cup team-mate Carl Hayman.

"His strictness and his knowledge of the game would help our young players.

"For the past three years, he has been very involved in the club's progression. He will be missed on the field because he is irreplaceable but he will bring us a lot technically. I'm looking forward to having him on our staff and I am sure he will develop into a great coach," Mannix said.