The Irishman's abrupt departure left his players reeling and confused about their new rearguard action.
An attack-minded Premiership and the travails of July highlight lessons Steve Borthwick's troops must heed on Saturday.
The Newcastle Falcons supremo wants no sympathy, but his team looks like a Championship side operating at the wrong level.
Rugby obsessive, Christian, family man - the in-depth tale of Smith's journey to glory with Glasgow.
The URC conqueror reflects on a four-day title celebration, family, weddings and Franco Smith's exacting standards.
The direction of travel eastwards, over the Severn Bridge has turned from a trickle to a torrent and Wales must somehow stem the player loss
It is typical of rugby union, the ultimate team game, that Marcus Smith's individual brilliance is mistrusted in certain quarters
The Wallabies are reeling from the high-profile defection of Mark Nawaqanitawase but the progress of Dan McKellar should soften the blow
Northampton Saints have confirmed that Lee Radford will be joining the club as an assistant coach.