“I’ve had two fantastic years with St Helens women and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed that experience and we’ve been a very successful group,” Smith told Wigan’s club website, external.
“This is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I see this as a really big role and an important one that allows me to work with and develop young talented individuals that this club has always produced.”
Meanwhile, Hardman’s arrival at Saints comes after his previous spell between 2019 and 2022 resulted in two Challenge Cups, the League Leaders’ Shield and the Women’s Super League title.
Hardman was also involved in Saints’ youth pathway, leading their reserves to back-to-back Grand Finals and this season’s Reserves Championship title after beating Wigan in September.
Richards oversaw England Women’s tour of Papua New Guinea, their participation in the World Nines competition and the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
“I made memories for life previously, but they are memories, and we are here to make even more moving forward because we want to be just as successful,” Hardman said.
Richards added: “Women’s rugby league is growing year on year, and next year will be the same – it will be more competitive, and we want to be at the forefront.”
