Ian Smith apointed Senior Rugby Coach

Ian Smith has been appointed as Senior Rugby Coach by Uppingham School.

Ian joins us on a part-time basis in preparation for the 2023-24 rugby season and will be an integral part of our coaching team supporting the Director of Rugby, Dr Andrew Hall, and the School in their strategic vision.

Ian enjoyed a decorated career playing for Leicester Tigers, with 331 appearances from 1977 to 1991, where he won three John Player Cup Finals, was their Captain between 1983 and 1985 and won the inaugural League Championship with the Club in 1987. 

Since his playing days, Ian has become a well-established rugby coach and educator, and is held in the highest regard in his fields of expertise. As Tigers’ coach he saw Leicester win the Pilkington Cup and the league and was part of coaching set up when rugby turned professional, becoming the Club’s last amateur coach and first professional coach in the process. He has also coached England Students, helping them win their first Grand Slam, and has been the England U19s coach. 

Ian understands the importance of nurturing young talent, having mentored many young players who have gone on to professional careers on the international stage. More recently, Ian has achieved great success at Oakham School as their Senior Rugby Coach, and previously their Director of Rugby and Director of Coaching.

Dr Kyi Muller, Assistant Head Co-curricular at Uppingham School, said: “I am delighted that Ian Smith will be joining our sports department this summer as a Senior Rugby Coach. He has had an outstanding career, both as a player and a coach, and will enrich our ambitious rugby programme.
 
“Ian will play a central role in the development of our senior rugby squads (1st XV and sevens), as well as supporting our sporting outreach initiatives.”
 
Ian Smith said: “I am so pleased to accept the invitation to join Andrew Hall’s team and to work with Charles Welch again. I am really looking forward to returning to Uppingham and their sports department. I can’t wait to get underway in this new role, and to support the department in their desire to provide the best possible rugby programme for their pupils.”