Saints ready to unveil Smith

Northampton expect to confirm Wayne Smith's coaching appointment today following an overnight meeting of the New Zealand Union called to consider releasing the former All Black coach from a contract which has four months to run.

Smith, whose All Blacks role went to John Mitchell despite Smith having gone within a try of winning the Tri-Nations title with the side, has agreed to a three-year deal at Northampton and been given a free hand to bring his own coaching team. Smith will be on Tyneside for the Saints' Premiership match at Newcastle on Sunday if his New Zealand employers agree to let him go rather than hold him until March.

Saints owner Keith Barwell said last night: 'Wayne has been to Northampton, met the board and we are very happy with him. He is seeking a fresh challenge and would be very happy to pursue it with us. He is exactly what we need.'