McClennan agrees Rhinos switch

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Leeds have appointed McClennan, 45, as their new head coach on a two-year contract from December, when Smith steps up full-time to the Great Britain post.

"We are delighted to have secured one of the world's most respected coaches," said Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington. "It has been an exhaustive search and it was so important to find the right man."

McClennan, currently the international coach of the year, said: "This is a tremendous honour for me. I am really looking forward to the home games at the famous Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

"I have witnessed first hand the loyal Leeds supporters in full voice when I attended a home game in 2006. What a wonderful experience seeing the bond that the fans have with their club."

McClennan, who succeeded current St Helens boss Daniel Anderson as New Zealand coach and guided them to a shock success in the 2005 Tri-Nations Series, was contracted to the New Zealand RL until after next year's World Cup.

But the New Zealand RL, who came up with a last-ditch offer of a "substantial" wage increase, insist that the national coach lives and works in the country.

McClennan, therefore, handed in his resignation and, according to reports, has agreed a deal worth around £130,000 a year.

"We're disappointed Bluey has reached this decision," said NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers. "We offered him a substantial increase in his package to stay on as Kiwi coach until after next year's World Cup but we have no option but to reluctantly accept his decision.

"We can't compete with the money they can offer but we have to live with that."