Saints legend Smith happy with new role
Former Scotland and Lions prop Tom Smith expressed his delight after being unveiled as Edinburgh's new forwards coach.
The 37-year-old Saints legend has moved into coaching as part of Edinburgh boss Rob Moffat's backroom staff.
Smith, who has spent the last eight years with at Franklin's Gardens before retiring in May, said: "It's nice to come back, albeit in a different capacity. But it's nice to be home.
"It's a challenge and obviously a new beginning for me but I'm definitely looking forward to it."
Moffat will appoint one more coach to his team, which will be under pressure to repeat the second-placed finish in the Magners League achieved last season under new Scotland boss Andy Robinson.
Smith said: "Pressure's a good thing, I think. Good players thrive under pressure and the same can be said for coaches. I've known Rob for a long time and it'll be good to get down to work, get into the games."
Smith says coaching preparation while at the Gardens will stand him in good stead for his new challenge at Murrayfield.
"I did some coaching work at Northampton last year and I've also got my coaching badges," said Smith, who was capped 61 times for Scotland.
"So hopefully that time at Northampton will give me a a smooth transition into this side of the game.
Smith also revealed his coaching style will be based on getting the players to take on as much responsibility for their own performance as possible.
"You want the players to set their own examples," he said. "I think commitment's a basic requirement for a successful rugby team."
Moffat hailed the capture of Smith, who spent two years playing in France before moving to the Guinness Premiership.
Moffat said: "I think Tom's got a lot to offer. He has a wealth of experience as a player. He's a very forward thinking man."
The move has been welcomed with open arms by Smith's former team-mate Scott Hastings, who said: "I think it is a really intriguing appointment and I hope Tom can fit in well and help to take Edinburgh forward after such a good season last year.
"I was lucky enough to be at the Northampton players' awards dinner and it was clear that night how much respect they have for him."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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