TONY Smith is hoping improve his coaching at Warrington Wolves this pre-season, by taking tips from an NFL side.

Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby will be heading to the USA to work with staff at American Football team the San Francisco 49ers.

“Not long after we resume training I’m heading to San Francisco for a week,” he explained.

“I’ve got a good friend who is a sports scientist at the 49ers, so I’m lucky enough to be able to get a bit of self development there as well.”

Smith, who is friends with Nottingham Forest manager and former England international Stuart Pearce as well as former world number one squash player James Willstrop, enjoys learning from different sports.

“Learning from other sports is something I have done a lot in other years, but I haven’t done for a little while in the States,” he added.

“It’s something I’m really looking forward to and excited about, I’ll hopefully pick up a few things we can apply that will improve us.”