BRIEF-Rugby league-Smith resigns as England coach

LONDON, Nov 15 (Reuters) - England rugby league coach Tony Smith has announced his resignation following his team's 46-16 defeat by Australia on Saturday in the Four Nations final.

"I'm stepping down... even if we had won last night I'd still have stepped down," the 42-year-old told BBC Radio Five on Sunday. "I must consider my family's needs as well as my own, and therefore believe now is the right time to stand down."

Australian-born Smith has been England coach since 2007 and his contract was due to expire at the end of the year.

He will continue as head coach of Warrington.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Justin Palmer; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)