Following New Zealand's grand slam triumph on their autumn tour, Smith has declared he will see out his two-year term as Graham Henry's backs coach.

The 51-year-old turned down Wales outfit Ospreys, one of a host of European clubs interested in acquiring his services.

Speculation about Smith's future has been rife since the team arrived in Dublin for the opening Test against Ireland on November 15.

Smith said he had been in regular contact with his wife Trish throughout the All Blacks' tour and the family agreed he should continue.

"I love the jersey and the people I coach with, the management team and the players are pretty special," he said. "I don't think you can get that anywhere else."

Henry was delighted Smith had opted to remain on the coaching panel.

"He's the best in the world at what he does. His presence is this group of people is huge," said Henry.

Smith was John Hart's technical adviser in 1998 and 1999, then head coach for two years before he was replaced after the 2001 Tri-Nations by John Mitchell.

After three years with Saints he returned to New Zealand to be Henry's backs coach in 2004.