Smith on All Black wish-list

Wayne Smith looks set to return to the All Black coaching set-up ahead of next year's World Cup.

According to media reports in New Zealand, the Chiefs assistant is expected to rejoin the side next year to play a pivotal role in helping the All Blacks defend their World Cup crown.

However, his exact role in the All Blacks coaching set-up is delaying announcement of his return.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew said Smith wants the intricate details of his position.

He said he wants to add real value and not just be another member of the group.

Tew added that they are hoping to announce it before Christmas, but need to assure Smith of the details of his position.

"He needs to be completely sure that he can come into that environment and add real value," Tew told Newstalk radio.

"He doesn't want to just turn up and be another person in the group, and so all those things need to be sorted out satisfactorily."

Smith, who played 17 Tests for the All Blacks between 1980 and 1985, was appointed head coach of New Zealand's national team in 200.

After losing his position as head coach of the All Blacks in late 2001, he went to coach the Northampton Saints in England. He coached there until being appointed backs coach in early 2004 by the then All Black coach Graham Henry.

Smith, who was an key member of the New Zealand World Cup-winning set-up in 2011, took up the assistant coaching position at the Chiefs franchise in 2012 – helping them win back-to-back titles.

Source: Newstalk Z