Wayne Smith has decided to stay in New Zealand for personal reasons rather than join the England coaching team.

Wayne Smith said: “I was very impressed with Stuart [Lancaster] when I met him. He is an outstanding individual and will be a great plus for England Rugby and anyone who works in his team will be very fortunate. England have some fantastic young players and the opportunity to work with them ahead of the 2015 World Cup was very appealing.

“I also want to compliment the RFU on the way they have conducted the process. They have acted with integrity, diligence and patience.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision but ultimately I have decided to stay in New Zealand, mainly for personal reasons. I took the job with the Chiefs so I could move nearer to elderly parents. I have travelled the globe with rugby for the last 15 years and I want to fulfil my commitment to be closer to them.

“I do also feel some loyalty to the Chiefs and the job that I have with them and leaving after eight months when I have a year left on my contract did not feel right.”

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “Wayne rang me this morning and I fully respect his decision which, as he says, was a difficult one.

“He is clearly a coach of quality, honesty and integrity. I enjoyed meeting him and wish him all the best for the future in his coaching role with the Chiefs. All my energy will now go into preparing for an exciting tour to South Africa and I will reassess the coaching team post tour prior to the start of the QBE Internationals.”

RFU Chief Executive Officer Ian Ritchie said: “We are disappointed but it is important to remember we already have some very talented coaches on board. We will take stock after the tour and make sure we do all we can to support Stuart in building a coaching team to take us through to 2015.”

Mike Catt joins England coaching team for South Africa

Mike Catt will join the England coaching team for the five-match tour of South Africa next month.

Mike will leave London Irish after their final Aviva Premiership match with Gloucester Rugby at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday and start work with England on May 7 through to June 30.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “Mike has played at the top level and is highly respected. He has done a great job whilst coaching at London Irish and we are looking forward to working with him on this South Africa tour. He is experienced in playing in South Africa and this will be invaluable as we prepare for this challenging and exciting tour.

“While Mike, Graham Rowntree and myself will lead on the coaching for the tour we will also have Jon Callard and Simon Hardy as part of the coaching team. Jon and Simon know the players well from their roles with the Saxons. They will assist in the preparation and support to the midweek teams and they will provide excellent specialist support in their individual areas with Jon supporting our kickers and Simon our hookers throughout the whole squad.”

Mike Catt said: “I was very impressed with England during the Six Nations, not just the way they played but the culture that is developing, and hopefully I can complement what Stuart and Graham are doing. There are some talented young players coming through and the chance to work with them for the Barbarians game and the tour is really exciting.

“I’ll be sad to leave London Irish and I want to say a huge thanks to all the players and coaches I have worked with since 2004. Toby Booth in particular deserves massive credit for what and how he has taught me. Thanks also to the supporters who have been brilliant over the last eight years and I will take away some lasting memories.”

Mike will leave London Irish after the club’s final 2011/12 Aviva Premiership match this weekend against Gloucester Rugby and will start work with England on the 7th May.

Andy Martin, London Irish’s Chief Executive said: “On behalf of everyone at London Irish I would like to thank Mike for his eight years as a player and coach with the club. He has made an outstanding contribution during his time with us both on the field and as a role model in sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. We are disappointed to see him leave, however, we completely understand that he has been offered an opportunity that he could not turn down and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Mike Catt said: “It has been a difficult decision and I will be sad to leave London Irish. I want to say a huge thanks to all the players and coaches I have worked with since 2004. Toby Booth in particular deserves massive credit for what and how he has taught me. Thanks also to the supporters who have been brilliant over the last eight years and I will take away some lasting memories.”

Mike Catt profile

Born: 17.09.71 | Port Elizabeth

Mike Catt MBE had an exceptional career for Bath Rugby, London Irish, England and the British Lions.

South African-born, he went to Grey Junior and High School in Port Elizabeth and represented Eastern Province before playing his senior rugby in England.

Mike made his debut for England in 1994 against Wales, going on a roller-coaster ride around the England backline, playing at fullback, fly-half and centre. He was part of England’s 1995 Grand Slam winning side and played in the Rugby World Cup that year. His 75 international caps included a crucial role in winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup with a masterful 40 minutes in the quarter-final against Wales. He was awarded an MBE in November 2003 for his part in that success. He also played five games in RWC 2007 including starting the final against South Africa.

While touring Argentina with England in 1997 Mike was called up as an injury replacement for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa and played in the final test. Four years later he was selected for the Lions squad that toured Australia.

On the domestic front, he joined Bath in 1992 and stayed at the Recreation Ground for 12 years, where he played 220 games and scored 64 tries.

He joined London Irish in July 2004 and his outstanding form for the Exiles resulted in him being named Guinness Premiership Player of the Season for 2005-06.

Playing at either fly half or inside centre, Mike had a major influence on the London Irish playing style over the past five seasons during which he made 89 appearances for the club and scored 79 points, including eight tries. In July 2007 his primary role changed from player to coach as he took on the responsibility for coaching the club’s talented backs and he was appointed attack coach in July 2008, helping them to the Premiership final in May 2009.

Mike will leave London Irish after the club’s final 2011/12 Aviva Premiership match this weekend against Gloucester Rugby and will start work with England on the 7th May.

Andy Martin, London Irish’s Chief Executive said: “On behalf of everyone at London Irish I would like to thank Mike for his eight years as a player and coach with the club. He has made an outstanding contribution during his time with us both on the field and as a role model in sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. We are disappointed to see him leave, however, we completely understand that he has been offered an opportunity that he could not turn down and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Mike Catt said: “It has been a difficult decision and I will be sad to leave London Irish. I want to say a huge thanks to all the players and coaches I have worked with since 2004. Toby Booth in particular deserves massive credit for what and how he has taught me. Thanks also to the supporters who have been brilliant over the last eight years and I will take away some lasting memories.”

The Harlequins’ full-back was chosen as the month’s stand out performer by a panel of distinguished rugby media – including writers, broadcasters and photographers.

“Mike has reinvented himself this year and turned himself into a world class player who we believe will deservedly make his Test debut in this year’s RBS 6 Nations," said Panel Chairman Paul Morgan.

"He exemplifies the reasons why Harlequins sit on top of the Aviva Premiership Rugby table and the award is our way or showing how impressed we have been with Mike’s form."

Brown spoke of the pride he felt for being named December’s Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month: "I am so happy to receive this award from Aviva. It’s a great time to be involved with Harlequins. I couldn’t have found my recent form without the constant help and support from my teammates and the Quins coaching staff, they have all had a massive influence on me over the past few months and I’d like to thank them all.

"Aviva have kindly donated £500 to the charity of my choice – and I’ve chosen Macmillan Caring Locally. The reason I have chosen this charity is because my Gran recently passed away. Before she passed on, she asked for people to donate to the charity, instead of buying flowers for her funeral, as it was a charity that she supported. So in memory of her, I would like to donate to Macmillan Caring Locally."

Director of rugby at Harlequins Conor O’Shea said: “I’m delighted that Mike has been given this Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month award. He has been in great form for us all season and he deserves this recognition. I hope that Mike can continue his fine form for the remainder of the season.’’

Louisa Cheetham, Head of Sponsorship at Premiership Rugby title sponsors Aviva added: “Mike has been knocking on the door of the England squad for some time now.  His outstanding form for Harlequins this season looks has been rewarded with a place in the England elite player squad which is testament to the professionalism and determination of the player; a deserved winner of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month award."

Regarding Mike Tindall, Martyn Thomas, Acting Chief Executive Officer who heard the appeal, said, “We accept that there were mitigating factors which do not appear to have been taken into account to the extent that they might otherwise have been. These include;

i. Mike did not intentionally mislead the RFU team management when he stated that he could not remember where he was on the night of September 11, and that he was relying on other people’s versions of events which were relayed to him

ii. That there was no evidence of any suggestion of sexual impropriety of any nature with the woman in question and we accept the fact that she is a family friend who he has known for a long time

iii. That Mike expressed deep regret during the appeal meeting about his behaviour and that he had apologised to Martin Johnson and the team for the events which unfolded as a consequence

iv. That there was no evidence that Mike had been involved in any incidences in the past which could contribute as aggravating factors.

“Taking all these factors into account we have decided to reduce the fine to £15,000 and reverse the decision to remove Mike from the England Elite Player Squad. It is however important to stress that we believe Mike’s behaviour fell way below that to be expected of somebody of his calibre and experience. He exposed himself to a very compromising position and exposed the rest of the team to damaging publicity.”

“We are aware that the EPS Squad will be reviewed on January 1, 2012 and wish to make it clear that this decision does not prevent those deciding the composition of the EPS Squad from taking into account this incident when making that decision.”

The former Wasps and England U21 star put pen to paper on a deal this week which begins to solve the riddle of how the back division will line up at Castle Park for the RFU Championship 2011/12 season.

Helping guide Esher to safety in their inaugural Championship season White head was a standout player against the Knights, a feat he has achieved in the past with former club Rotherham Titans with whom he spent over 5 seasons. Previously London Welsh had the benefit of his tactical talent making Whitehead a key signing for the Armthorpe Rd club.

On the signing of Whitehead, Davey told us “ In a way this signing has been years in the making. While playing at Coaching at Coventry I remember playing against Mike and studying DVDs of his game and thinking he had something about him. Having seen his performances against us for two different clubs now I can safely say he still has it. He is another part of the balanced side we are trying to build as his tactical rugby ability and experience will be a benefit to the younger players we have on the books.” He finished “ Mike also brings a more physical presence at Fly Half which we perhaps have been missing in some games.”

Mike, as previously mentioned, is no stranger to South Yorkshire and should have no problem settling back into the county.

Ross, who has now won 7 caps at tight head for Ireland since making his debut against Canada in 2009, has also made 39 appearances for Leinster since moving from English premiership side Harlequins in 2009.

Mike Ross said, “It’s been an enjoyable couple of months for me and I am delighted to be able to have my new contract agreed and to remain playing for Leinster. Since coming back to Ireland, Leinster really has become my home and hopefully I can continue to maintain my performance levels to help keep the team successful and also keep me in the frame for selection for the Ireland team.”

Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said, “The IRFU’s policy of keeping as many players in Ireland as possible is an important part to helping Irish Rugby challenge for success in competitions at all levels. The news that Mike has made the decision to carry on his career in Leinster is good news for everybody concerned as he has continued to progress well and is a valued member of the international squad.”

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt said, “Mike has been a consistent performer for Leinster this season and we are delighted that he has committed his future to the province. A popular member of our squad and a formidable scrummager, Mike has really come into his own at provincial level and more recently at national level and we are confident that his best years are still ahead of him.”

The only change to team manager Martin Johnson’s squad is on the bench where Hendre Fourie (Leeds Carnegie) takes over from Joe Worsley (London Wasps).

Mike Tindall leads the side and wins his 68th cap, while Nick Easter, who made his debut against Italy in 2007, will make his 40th appearance for England.

England team
15 Ben Foden (Northampton Saints)
14 Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints)
13 Mike Tindall (Gloucester Rugby, captain)
12 Shontayne Hape (Bath Rugby)
11 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)
10 Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers)
9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
1 Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks)
2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
3 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
4 Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers)   
5 Tom Palmer (Stade Francais)
6 Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)
7 James Haskell (Stade Francais)
8 Nick Easter (Harlequins)

Replacements
16 Steve Thompson (Leeds Carnegie)
17 David Wilson (Bath Rugby)       
18 Simon Shaw (London Wasps)
19 Hendre Fourie (Leeds Carnegie)
20 Danny Care (Harlequins)
21 Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon)
22 Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby)

The starting XV will be announced by the Wolfhounds Coaches at a press conference in Belfast on Wednesday.

Prop Tony Buckley is ruled out after picking up an injury in the game against Scotland ‘A’ last week.

Declan Fitzpatrick is named in the squad in place of Buckley. Mike McCarthy is also named in the squad while Paul Marshall, Ian Keatley and David Kearney have also been called up.

Tickets for the game against the Saxons are on sale from www.ulsterrugby.com

O2 Ireland Wolfhounds Squad (v England Saxons, Friday, Februray 4^th, Ravenhill, 19:30)

Backs (10) -

Isaac Boss (Terenure College – Leinster)
Fionn Carr (Galwegians- Connacht)
Ian Humphreys (Ballymena – Ulster)
David Kearney (Lansdowne – Leinster)
Ian Keatley (Galwegians- Connacht)
Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution – Munster)
Paul Marshall (Belfast Harlequins – Ulster)
Johne Murphy (Young Munster – Munster)
Eoin O’Malley (Old Belvedere – Leinster)
Nevin Spence (Ballynahinch – Ulster)

Forwards (12) -

Nigel Brady (Dungannon – Ulster)
Willie Faloon (Ballynahinch – Ulster)
Declan Fitzpatrick (Dungannon – Ulster)
Jamie Hagan (Corinthians – Connacht)
Chris Henry (Ballymena – Ulster)
Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers – Connacht)
Ian Nagle (Cork Constitution – Munster)
Mick O’Driscoll (Cork Constitution – Munster)
Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne – Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon – Munster)
Damien Varley (Garryowen – Munster)
Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians – Connacht)

The Blues mini Welsh tour was cut short last week following a frost in Swansea, but the break was certainly a welcome one which gave the players and coaches extra time to prepare for the visit of the Green and Whites who haven’t lost in the league since November.

Bedford’s time in Wales did have a negative though as Duncan Taylor suffered a acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury during the game against Neath. An MRI scan earlier this week has revealed that the young winger suffered ligament damage and faces up to six weeks on the sidelines. James Pritchard misses Saturday’s game due to a slight thigh strain, Jackson Wray will be representing Saracens in the LV Cup and there was also bad news for Will Fraser who will be out of action for three months following ankle surgery.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer said: “Getting back to winning ways in the British and Irish Cup has been very important for us and we now need to continue this momentum in the Championship.

“Nottingham are on a great run at the moment and they will be looking at this weekend’s fixture as an opportunity to move closer to the top of the table and I’m sure Glenn Delaney will have his men prepared for the task ahead. They are a very dangerous side who like to play width and we certainly won’t be taking anything for granted.

“The end of the regular season is not that far away so we need to continue working at certain aspects of our game leading into the play offs.

“We had a great result up at Meadow Lane in October but that will count for nothing come 3pm Saturday especially as Nottingham are bang in form. We are going to have to be at our best again tomorrow to get the result that we all want."

Starting line-up:

15. Edd Thrower
14. Handre Schmidt
13. Brendan Burke
12. Tom Bedford
11. Ollie Dodge
10. Myles Dorrian
9. Will Chudley

1. Sam Walsh
2. Dan Richmond (c)
3. Phil Boulton
4. Mike Howard
5. Alex Rae
6. Gregor Gillanders
7. Sacha Harding
8. Paul Tupai

Replacements: 16. Joe Clark, 17. Dan Seal, 18. Chris Goodman, 19. Ben Lewitt, 20. Nick Walshe, 21. Jake Sharp, 22. Ian Vass.

The scan confirmed there was no major damage and he is due to return to training with the England squad when they reassemble at Pennyhill Park Hotel this weekend.

The Bees team is as follows: 1.Mauro Sperandio, 2.Ben Gerry, 3.Joe Reid, 4.Semisi Taulava, 5.Adrian Griffiths, 6.Russell Earnshaw, 7.Mike Denbee (c), 8.Ross Noonan, 9.Rod Petty, 10.Mark Woodrow, 11.Tomasi Tanumi, 12.Ben Barkley, 13.Will Lawson, 14.Ollie Grove, 15.Ollie Winter,

Replacements: 16.Leo Halavatau, 17.Ngalu Tau, 18.Jack Preece, 19.Jack Bentall, 20.Jimmy Williams, 21.Mitch Culpin, 22.Ian Davey.