Smith not in line for England gig

TIMING IS the reason why Wayne Smith has not applied for the England coaching role.

The ex-All Blacks assistant had expressed an interest in the job when the Rugby Football Union advertised the position last year.

But he confirmed last night that he had not submitted an application.

The RFU wants to have a fulltime coach in place for England’s three-test series against the Springboks in June.

That did not fit with Smith, who wanted to see out the first of his two-year Chiefs assistant coach gig before re-igniting his international coaching career.

“I understand they want to fill the position for the tour of South Africa in June. That timing doesn't fit in with me, so I haven't put an application in," Smith told RugbyHeaven.

“I said I have moral obligation to fulfil my time here with the Chiefs.”

Caretaker coach Stuart Lancaster, former Japan mentor John Kirwan and ex-Springboks taskmaster Nick Mallett are those believed to be on the shortlist to fill the job vacated by Martin Johnson.