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InternationalHurricanesPauWellington

Exclusive: Conrad Smith on retirement and future role with IRPA

Ra Pomare paid a visit to the Kiwis of Pau last week and caught up with Conrad Smith for a chat about his retirement from the professional playing ranks and future role with International Rugby Players.

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Comments on RugbyPass

c
cw 17 minutes ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

I have enjoyed this exchange and left it to those who clearly know the English game well. But NB there are very good reasons to think that the result would be different. First, Holland and Clark play. Second, Tupaea and Fainga’nuku go back to the centres. Three, McKenzie plays 10, and Barrett doesn’t. Four, both NZ front rows are p$ssed. Five, Codie does not have a brain explosion. Six, Roigard plays for more than 44 minutes. Seventh, and perhaps most important, the AB intensity levels would be altogether different - a second game would provide an opportunity for redemption and we would see a very different level performance. And thats the gauling / perplexing thing about this AB team. They need a reason to win.

309 Go to comments
B
Blackmania 1 hour ago
Five bold possible debutants for the All Blacks in 2026

Not convinced by this list. Naholo will have a hard time...we don't come back from an injury to the crusaders like that especially for a winger whose explosiveness is goodwill.

Thomson I don't believe it either. He wasn't on the radar before he left for NRL, and I don't see why he would be there now. He will be number 3 at the Chiefs... In my opinion, there are 2 or 3 prospects in front of him in his position.



...

14 Go to comments
N
NB 3 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

It would be close but I do recall before one EPCR QF v Tigers Leinster had to reshape the kicking game a little to take account of the narrow width and tiny in-goal areas!

309 Go to comments
N
NB 3 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

Don’t be so sensitive, I’m trying to help you. It’s well documented how highly Rassie values his overseas assistants. The King still needs his courtiers/advisors after all.

309 Go to comments
P
PMcD 4 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

Not sure if Welford Rd or The Rec have the smallest dead ball area but they are probably 4m (at best).

309 Go to comments
J
JD 4 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

Is that the best you’ve got in discussing a subject; to abuse and insult? It’s said that the greatest possible waste of time is to argue with a fool, so on that note, over and out.

309 Go to comments
F
F10NNG4M3RTV 4 hours ago
Connacht vs Ulster | Ulster vs Connacht | United Rugby Championship Live

Even though I support the men in green,I sadly,don’t have high hopes due to the stats.

2 Go to comments
N
NB 5 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

You certainly need to adjust your kicking game at Welford Road for sure!

309 Go to comments
P
PMcD 5 hours ago
Boks need more depth: 5 things on South Africa's Christmas wishlist

Yes, the SA cupboard looks really bare at front row, lock, centre and wings. I’m not sure how Rassie copes with such a small group of players to choose from, it must be really tough to only select 36 interchangeable test players. 🤣🤣🤣

31 Go to comments
P
PMcD 5 hours ago
Boks need more depth: 5 things on South Africa's Christmas wishlist

Whilst OX/MARX & DU TOIT are the clear starters, I actually think the replacement scrum will further improve when STEENEKAMP/WESSELS/LOUW combine together and are full match fit.

Then I wonder if Rassie is considering having both SNYMAN & NORTJE on the bench, where Nortje can probably cover 6 (if required) but have a replacement front 5 + Esterheizen to cover 7 or 12, which probably strengthens the overall bomb squad next season.



...

31 Go to comments
P
PMcD 6 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

I think that was down to Martin Johnson’s final contracts once he passed the age of 34. They had to shrink the pitch to get him to resign each year. 🤣

309 Go to comments
N
NB 6 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

I’d hoped he’d come over to Racing a couple of seasons ago, and I think he’s an excellent pick up for SB.

309 Go to comments
P
PMcD 6 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

Would those circumstances be how the improved ENG defence nullified the AB attack?

309 Go to comments
N
NB 6 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

They are pretty down to earth folk there. Prob something to do with having such a short pitch!

309 Go to comments
P
PMcD 7 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

I met the Leicester owners and have to say they were very impressive, hugely credible and true rugby fans. They know the highs and lows of this game, they know it runs in cycles and they know things take time.

For a young DoR, they should be a very good environment, where they should all grow and evolve together. I think it will take 2 or 3 seasons but I think they could build something pretty special at the club over the next few years.



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309 Go to comments
P
PMcD 7 hours ago
Top 100 Rugby Players 2025

It’s a bit of cheating SB but is mainly based on his performances at 13 in the Top 14 (FRANCE), where he was outstanding and was his primary position.

Having brought him back playing outside centre, it makes you wonder why he was suddenly put back on the wing and having performed against one of the better centre pairings the week before (SCOTLAND), why on earth would you move him to the wing to play against a very strong aerial contest team (via their tall wingers - ENGLAND).



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118 Go to comments
P
PMcD 7 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

If Razor doesn’t change his thinking, then I doubt the outcome would differ . . . . BUT if AB’s;

1) Played a 6|2 bench strategy with Sititi & Kirifi or Papali’i on the bench (to finish)



...

309 Go to comments
J
JW 7 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

Yes but when you factor in the circumstances this year those stats do get closer together.

309 Go to comments
P
PMcD 7 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

Very much doubt NZ were bigger than SA - Beast/Bongi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, LdJ, PsdT, Kolisi, Vermuelen . . . . Really???

ENG probably were smaller with Curry/Underhill on the flanks BUT SA did an execution job on them at the RWC 2019 Final and announced themselves with that performance, for which they still haven’t looked back since.



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309 Go to comments
J
JW 7 hours ago
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?

Theres really no difference in starters and finishers these days. Gone are the times where you think to bring on your atheletic weaker scrumager in the second half. One players 45 minutes and the other 35, and you never know which will be which.

309 Go to comments
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