Smith: Right direction

You hear bits of it up North but probably not as much as we should. It is becoming very popular and the potential to tap into here is enormous. If I can support or help in anyway, then that is what I am going to do.

Tony Smith
Quotes of the week

London and the South East is the fastest developing area for rugby league and Boots 'N' All went down to Harlequins for a coaching seminar.

England head coach Tony Smith joined up with Harlequins coach Brian McDermott to discuss the issues that face the modern coach of today.

"I was invited to come down and talk to a lot of coaches, not just to coaches from Harlequins, but coaches from the whole area," said Smith.

"The aim was to have a chat about coaching, it's more of a talk than a lecture and I just want to raise the issues of coaching and get some of their opinions."

The seminar was the first one held by the England coach in London and the fact that it took place at all is evidence of the game's growth down south.

"In the two years I have been here there has been a real improvement - in the coaches as well," said Harlequins coach McDermott.

"I think we are heading in the right direction, but I think it is huge backing for a fellow of his standing to come down and give his backing to us."

There is no doubt that these are exciting times for League in London and Smith is hoping that if the seeds are sewn properly, then the game as a whole will reap the benefits.

"I am good friends with Brian and he tells me how much rugby league is going on down here and how exciting it is," added Smith.

"You hear bits of it up north but probably not as much as we should. It is becoming very popular and the potential to tap into here is enormous. If I can support or help in anyway, then that is what I am going to do."