Former Waikato and Fijian hooker Greg Smith has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Bay of Plenty Steamers.

Smith will take over from Japan-bound Kevin Schuler, after beating off a number of high quality candidates for the role.

Former All Blacks Wayne Shelford and Liam Barry, former Mount Maunganui coach Sean Horan and former Bay of Plenty lock Steve Axtens are believed to have been among the group short- listed for the job.

It will be Smith's first coaching role at Air New Zealand Cup level but Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Jeremy Curragh said he has the skills to continue good progress made last season.

"Greg is a young man at 34 years of age and has a great future,' Curragh said. ``Not only does he have an acute knowledge of the game but he also under stands what makes a team per form."

Curragh said Smith's under standing of the professional game and the landscape of a provincial union which set Smith apart dur ing the interview process.

"He's played at an international level and understands the good old fa shioned skill and attitude we want in the Bay of Plenty."

Smith is cur rently working as a professional development manager, based in the Chiefs region, and is working through contractual matters with his employers.

He coached Waikato club, Fraser Tech, to championship victory in 2008 and has also been a scrum coach for Waikato.

In 2001 he was the assistant coach of Fiji where they won the Pan Pacific Championship and has also coached Waikato under-18 and under-20 teams.

Curragh said the recruitment process was thorough and robust _ the panel included himself, BOPRU deputy chairman Glen Cot terill, former New Zealand Maori coach Matt Te Pou and former All Black John Graham.

Smith will be a key member of Bay of Plenty Rugby Union's high performance unit and will be actively involved in sharing his knowledge with schools and clubs.