Departing Super League boss throws hat in rugby union ring

Outgoing Hull KR head coach Tony Smith has said he’d be open to making a switch to rugby union.

The former England rugby league national team coach will leave the Super League side at the end of the current season and has said that the fifteen-man code might be a potential destination for the 55-year-old.

The Australian-born Smith has vast experience in league, having previously coached Huddersfield, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Great Britain and England.

“That would be the preference [to stay in Super League] but not many opportunities arise,” Smith told Sky Sports.

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“If not, I will have to look further afield, whether it’s France, the Championship or another sport. Maybe I’ll have to look around to see if there are any opportunities in rugby union.

“I’ll keep my options open. I still want to coach. I have got my mojo back so I’ll have to see what arises. There is nothing on the horizon and, if there’s any interest out there, I’d love to get a call.

“In the meantime, I’ve got a lot to focus on.”

Indeed the route between league and union has become an increasingly popular one for league coaches to take, with attack and defence roles in union traditionally being a good fit for those wanting to make the switch.

League greats like Andy Farrell, Shaun Edwards, Kevin Sinfield and Brad Thorn have all found success after turning their hand to coaching in union.