Smith leaves with harsh words for Hill
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Your support makes all the difference.Ian Smith, the Scottish international flanker, yesterday criticised Richard Hill, the coaching director of Gloucester, as he completed his move to Moseley, the National League Two club.
Smith, 31, ending a 14-year association with the club, complained he had been forced into the move after being largely ignored by Hill this season. "This move is down to the way Hill has treated me," Smith said. "It was inevitable that I would go given the treatment I've received at the club this year."
Despite his international status - he has been included in the preliminary Lions squad - Smith has played only nine first team games for Gloucester this season.
Smith was also wanted by Bristol and Harlequins, but decided Moseley fitted in best with his work and family commitments. "Before deciding to go there I checked with management figures in the Scottish Rugby Union to get their opinions and I took their advice."
Orrell were also in a critical mood. The Courage League One club were angry over Newcastle's failure to fulfil a second team fixture today because they could not raise a side. "They can spend pounds 1m on Va'aiga Tuigamala but they can't raise a second team," Geoff Lightfoot, an Orrell spokesman, said.
Meanwhile, Orrell are considering seeking a court order to prevent Frano Botica, the former All Black, playing for Llanelli. Botica moved from Orrell to Llanelli earlier this season but the Lancashire club claim the Welsh side have reneged on installment payments.
Stuart Gallacher, the Llanelli chairman, confirmed a writ demanding payment of more than pounds 30,000 had been issued against the club earlier this month. He said: "We are taking legal advice and hope than an agreement can soon be reached."
Joeli Veitayaki, the Fiji captain, has been told he must leave Dunvant to honour a contract in New Zealand. Veitayaki made his debut two weeks ago against Swansea but All Black Promotions Ltd, an off-shoot of the New Zealand Rugby Union, have insisted that the player is contracted to them.
Dunvant claim the huge prop had received a verbal clearance and have called on the Welsh Rugby Union for assistance.
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