Wasps Grant Permission For George Smith To Join Up With England Set-Up

Wasps will let former Australia flanker George Smith help coach the England team provided it does not get in the way of his club duties.

New England boss Eddie Jones coached Smith when he was Wallabies coach and has confirmed he is keen to bring the Wasps veteran into the England fold. Smith is wanted for his expertise at the breakdown – a problem area for England during the World Cup.

He told the Daily Mail he would be interested: “If he (Jones) does come calling, I would definitely listen to him because he’s a person who I do regard highly,” he said.

Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young says the Aviva Premiership club will not stand in his way.

“I wouldn’t stand in his way. I know that Eddie has a relationship with George going back a long way,” he said.

“We are here to support England and their management and if we can help, we will. If George could be of assistance – rather than being an assistant – helping the national team do well, and it doesn’t affect what we are doing, then I’ve got no problem with it.”

Jones confirmed during the week that he hopes to bring England legend Jonny Wilkinson in to his set-up also.