Smith has been in charge of London Irish since 2005 (Getty)

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith admits he would like to join the England coaching staff, but only if it is right for the Exiles.

Smith has widely been tipped to join England manager Martin Johnson's team as backs and attack coach.

He told BBC Radio Berkshire: "I've made my feelings clear to the board and our new chairman, Andrew Coppel.

"Once or twice in your career you have the chance to work with a national team at a World Cup."

Interview: London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith

Smith added: "Things are being sorted out. It's got to be right for the club. If I am to move on, it has to be win-win for everyone.

"I've been very happy at London Irish for the three seasons I've been involved and I'd be happy to stay here for life, but occasionally a big opportunity comes up and when it does you're forced to make a decision.

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"A guy I know well, Ewen McKenzie, had the chance to coach Australia.

"He knocked it back and within 18 months he's been sacked from his Waratahs position and that chance may never come his way again.

"I've looked at that and provided it's a win situation for London Irish, because that's where my heart and soul is, then perhaps it's something the club feels it can release me to do, but that's not my decision."

Since joining London Irish in 2005, Smith has led the club to third-place in the Premiership, the European Challenge Cup final and the semi-final of the Heineken Cup against Toulouse.

Mike Catt is currently the backs coach at London Irish (Getty)

He admitted it would be difficult to leave that behind.

"I would be happy to stay because I think we've got a great future here and we've worked very hard," he said.

"There's been a lot of blood, sweat and tears from players and coaches to get the club into the position where they are.

"I'm also mindful of the fact that we have good people with ambition here as well. We've got Toby Booth and Mike Catt in the organisation and at some point they're going to want to progress.

"I've been conscious of that ever since I've been involved with the club, that we're in the position to promote from within and that there's a succession planned.

"If the club can do well out of this, if they can promote from within and advance the careers of Toby Booth and Mike Catt, if the directors support that, then it's something I'd really like to do."