London Irish director of rugby and former Ireland international Brian Smith has left the club to take up the position of England attack coach with immediate effect.

Smith joins the management team led by Martin Johnson after the Rugby Football Union were able to negotiate his release from the Exiles.

The Australian-born coach will work alongside defensive mastermind Mike Ford and forwards coach John Wells.

Johnson said: "The appointment of Brian is great news for England as we look forward to the increased time we have with the players under the new agreement with Premier Rugby.

"Brian is a top attack coach and I'm sure he will be a real asset to us. His appointment finalises the senior coaching team for next season."

Smith has been given the task of igniting England's pedestrian back play, which has proved woefully ineffective since 2003.

The recent tour to New Zealand once again exposed the shortcomings behind the scrum where the lack of imagination and creativity has made the team frustratingly one-dimensional.

Smith, a dual international for Australia and Ireland, is viewed as a visionary coach with the ideas and drive to inspire the improvement required.

His track record at London Irish, who he guided to the Heineken Cup semi-finals last season, is superb.

The Exiles are one of the Guinness Premiership's most entertaining sides and it is hoped Smith will be able to translate his attacking philosophy from club to Test level.

Smith said: "The opportunity to coach Test rugby comes along rarely in one's career so I'm looking forward to my new position with England.

"It's an exciting time to be involved. I would like to thank London Irish for the opportunity the club has given me.

"I've enjoyed working with the playing and coaching staff and would like to thank all at the club for all the encouragement I've received."

Smith was capped nine times by Ireland between 1989 and 1991 after he won six caps for the Wallabies.