Wayne Smith

About Wayne

Wayne Smith is a former New Zealand rugby union coach and former player. He was assistant coach of the All Blacks for 16 years and regarded as one of the greatest coaches in history.

Wayne made the transition from player to coach – first with Canterbury and then with the Crusaders, who under his guidance won the Super Rugby competition in 1998 and 1999. In each of these seasons he was also an Assistant Coach with the All Blacks. In 2000-2001 he was made All Blacks Head Coach. He then moved to English Club, Northampton in 2002 before returning to New Zealand to join Graham Henry’s coaching staff in 2004.

Smith is considered the All Blacks tactical genius and has helped engineer two Rugby World Cup triumphs by helping coach them to victory at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

He is one of two coaches (Steve Hansen being the other) to win two back-to-back Rugby World Cups. He helped the Chiefs to win the 2012 Super Rugby title and 2013 Super Rugby title. Hansen praised Smith’s innovation; his world-leading embrace of technology and special touch with younger players.

Career Highlights

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2015

2015 – 2017 – All Blacks (Assistant Coach)

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2012

2012 – 2014 – Chief’s (Assistant Coach)

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2012

Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby

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2004

2004 – 2011 – All Blacks (Assistant Coach)

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2001

2001 – 2004 – Northampton Saints Coach (England)

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2000

2000 – 2001 – All Blacks Coach

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1997

1997 – 1999 – Coached the Crusaders, won back to back titles in 1998 & 1999

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