MATTY Smith is back on board at his hometown club St Helens.

The former Saints and England scrum-half is taking over as head coach of Saints Women for the 2023 campaign.

After hanging up his boots at the end of last season, this will be the 35-year-old's first venture into coaching.

His appointment brings about a reshuffle, with Derek Hardman becoming head coach of the men's reserves team while Ian Talbot moves from that role to focus on being first-team assistant coach.

Hardman and Saints Women’s head of rugby, Craig Richards - who stepped down as England Women head coach after the World Cup - will provide Smith with assistance.

“It’s a great honour to be given the opportunity to come back to the club and coach such a talented group of women," said Smith.

"I’m really looking forward to getting started and building up to what I know will be a successful 2023 season.

"The chance to come back to the club was one I couldn’t turn down. I hope with all the knowledge I have gained during my career I can use it to push the team to the next level.

"I am lucky to have inherited a great backroom staff who not only have good knowledge of the game but are also great people which is key to success.

"I hope all the fans can get behind the girls this year.”

Smith came through the ranks at Saints before making his first-team debut in 2006.

He spent time with Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors before returning to Saints in 2017 for two seasons, and after a final year in Super League with Catalans Dragons he ended his playing days with Widnes Vikings.

Smith won the Challenge Cup and Super League Grand Final as a player, while also gaining four caps with England.

“Matty has a wealth of playing experience that will stand him in great stead as he begins his coaching journey back at his hometown club," said Saints chief executive Mike Rush.

"His appointment will help further develop our already strong women’s set-up and hopefully bring more silverware to the club.”