The RFL are looking for a new full-time England Head Coach that will lead them to success in the 2013 World Cup following Tony Smith’s decision not to seek an extension to his current contract which expires at the end of November.

Smith, 42, was appointed as Head Coach of Great Britain and England in March 2007 and informed the RFL of his decision to leave his post before the start of the Gillette Four Nations, a tournament England reached the final of before losing to Australia.

The move will allow Smith to concentrate fully on his Director of Coaching role at Warrington Wolves – a position he took up in March of this year – however he will be involved in the recruitment process of his successor to ensure continuity.

Richard Lewis, RFL Chairman, said: “I would like to thank Tony for his work and dedication as Head Coach of Great Britain and then England, the highlights of which will be reaching the Gillette Four Nations Final and the 3-0 Test series whitewash of New Zealand in 2007.

“Tony explained to us before the start of the Gillette Four Nations his reasons for not wanting to continue as national coach, which we appreciate, and we wish him well for his future.

“Our aim is to win the 2013 World Cup and by including so many youngsters in his Gillette Four Nations squad Tony has certainly set the wheels in motion to achieve this.”

Tony Smith said: “I have greatly enjoyed my time as national coach and wish the team all the best in the future.

“All of my coaching career I have put my personal aspirations first, however I must now consider the needs of my family.

“After talking to them it is clear that it is very difficult for me to cover the demands of both the club and international game. Next year the Four Nations is in the southern hemisphere and after a long domestic season with Warrington it would mean at least six weeks away from home with England.

“I must consider my family’s needs as well as my own, and therefore believe now is the right time to stand down. I will continue to support the national team in any way I can and wish my successor the very best of luck.”

The recruitment of a new Head Coach will start straight away with RFL Chairman Richard Lewis assembling a panel chaired by Chief Executive Nigel Wood and including performance professionals and a former international player.

The panel will launch a two pronged campaign that will include targeted and open recruitment both domestically and internationally. Coaches will be assessed by the panel against set criteria to establish a shortlist of candidates. A recommendation will then be put forward to the RFL Board for approval.

As well as leading the preparation and coaching of the senior national team, the new Head Coach will also oversee the England Under 20’s team and mentor the U20’s coach. He will also work with the Head of the England Elite Training Squad to develop a four-year plan to produce 30 world class players for the 2013 World Cup.

Richard Lewis added: “With the World Cup in 2013 on the horizon it is absolutely essential that we identify a Head Coach who can join a team of elite performance professionals and drive the RFL’s aspirations to produce more quality international players for years to come who are well prepared and perform to their ultimate capability.

“A great deal of investment has been made in the Performance and Coaching team to make it World Class and the new Head Coach will benefit from working with some leading experts in the field of sports science, player development and elite athlete preparation.

“With England not set to play an international before next June we will take as much time as necessary in order to find the right man for the job.”