Wednesday Round-Up

Smith parts ways: Aviva Premiership outfit London Irish have confirmed that Director of Rugby Brian Smith has concluded his time at the club, leaving with immediate effect. Smith, who has spent the past decade at the Madejski Stadium during two spells at the club, began his second stint in 2012 and has overseen a challenging time for the Exiles, with primary focus on retaining the club’s status as one of England’s elite clubs. According to the official line emerging out of the club itself, Smith has exited his contract early on compassionate grounds and will return to his native Australia for family reasons. With his contract due to expire at the close of the current season, Smith now leaves forwards coach Glenn Delaney in charge of the club until the season’s end, when the manhunt will begin for the next man to lead Irish into a new future. For the meantime, Delaney will be assisted by the likes of Mark Tainton, Paul Hodgson and Nick Kennedy amongst others.

Zane woes: Leinster fans are waking up to yet more injury news today, as reports filter through of injury to South African utility back Zane Kirchner. Kirchner, who limped off the field during Leinster’s clash with Ulster on January 3rd, was initially suspected of suffering just bruising to his leg. However, it has now been revealed to be more serious, with a fractured shin deemed the official prognosis by the Leinster medical staff. Kirchner’s diagnosis will see him sidelined for four weeks at the very minimum, ruling him out of Leinster’s remaining Champions Cup pool clashes with both Castres and Wasps, as they look to qualify for a spot in the last eight of Europe’s elite competition.

Ryan Sheady