Wayne Smith - A rugby legend backs Ride of the Legends

Wayne Smith has just announced he will retire as All Blacks assistant coach, ending a 20-year coaching involvement with the team. Prior to coaching, Smith had a distinguished rugby playing career - from the late 1970s into the mid-80s he was one of the country's most accomplished first five eighths, appearing in 17 tests, and also played in Italy as well as in the sevens in Hong Kong. Smith was the Crusaders' coach from 1997-99, taking the team to victory in the 1998-99 championship, and he mirrored this achievement at the Chiefs 12 years later, with two consecutive wins. He was made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2012. Smith and his wife Trish have twin sons, one of whom has cerebral palsy, which led Smith to become patron of the New Zealand Foundation for Conductive Education. NZFCE will be the recipient of charity funds raised during the Ride Of The Legends cycle tour that runs in conjunction with the Lions Rugby Tour, which kicks off on June 3.