Who could be Wales’ next head coach if Warren Gatland goes?

By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports

Welsh rugby has experienced two particularly bleak periods of late. On Saturday, Joe Schmidt’s Australia handed Wales a record-breaking 11th consecutive defeat.

It is a damning statistic, and statistically, this may well be the worst period in Welsh rugby history. Inevitably, many tough questions are being asked about Warren Gatland and his coaching staff.

Calls for the New Zealander’s resignation are growing louder, leaving pundits and fans debating who might take over if Gatland steps aside.

There are intriguing options to consider.

One candidate who stands out as a potentially extraordinary appointment for Wales is Glasgow Warriors’ head coach Franco Smith.

Though he might not currently be the favourite for the role, from a betting perspective, the South African offers good value at 8/1 odds.

Are Warren Gatland’s Days Numbered?

There was significant optimism when it was announced that Gatland would return to replace Wayne Pivac. Many fans hoped he would replicate the success of his first tenure.

While Wales reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup, the real challenge was always going to come after the competition.

A host of Welsh legends retired from the international stage after the tournament, leaving Wales in dire need of an overhaul.

Since the World Cup, Gatland’s side has not won an international test match. Replicating the success of his first stint was always going to be challenging, particularly as he no longer has superstars like Sam Warburton, Dan Biggar, and Jonathan Davies at his disposal.

The current picture is vastly different. The future success of this proud rugby nation depends on its ability to nurture young talent.

While some players have shown tremendous promise, such as Cameron Winnett, Mason Grady, and Blair Murray, they are far from finished products.

Their development will be key. It would not surprise many if Gatland leaves after the autumn, which would leave Wales searching for a coach to lead them into a new era.

Looking at the global game, several rugby minds could do a fantastic job with Wales.

One such name is Franco Smith, who has amassed vast experience and is currently at the helm of the formidable Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Franco Smith

Smith is a brilliant rugby strategist with significant accomplishments as both a player and a coach. Primarily a fly-half, Smith enjoyed a successful playing career, earning nine caps for the Springboks.

This demonstrates his understanding of the high-pressure environment of international rugby. At the club level, he played for teams including the Cheetahs, Benetton Treviso, and even Newport.

However, it is as a coach that Smith has truly shone. His first head coach role was with Treviso, where he achieved domestic success before their inclusion in European competition.

Smith later returned to South Africa, guiding the Cheetahs to two Currie Cup victories. His club-level success established his reputation, but he also boasts international experience, having coached Italy.

While Italy did not achieve significant results during his two-year tenure, Smith laid the groundwork for the team’s current resurgence, bringing through talents such as Michele Lamaro and Paolo Garbisi.

This ability to develop young players would be an attractive quality for Wales, as the nation needs to focus on nurturing emerging talent for future success.

Smith has also led Glasgow Warriors to the URC title, demonstrating heart, resilience, and class by defeating the Vodacom Bulls in South Africa. Under his leadership, Glasgow have become one of Europe’s most formidable teams.

Smith’s ability to get the best out of his squad and compete at the highest level makes him an exceptional candidate for the Wales job. The question remains: would he be interested in taking on the challenge?

Other Options

Many names are being floated as potential successors to Gatland.

The odds-on favourite is Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy, priced at 3/1.

Tandy has significantly improved Scotland’s defence since joining Murrayfield and has prior experience as head coach of the Ospreys, meaning he may already have built relationships with Welsh players.

Another high-profile option is Ronan O’Gara.

The former Irish fly-half has achieved incredible success, including multiple European titles, demonstrating his ability to guide teams to the top.

However, a move to Wales seems unlikely, as O’Gara remains committed to his project at La Rochelle and has ambitions to coach Ireland in the future.

A name that excites many Welsh fans is Pat Lam, the Bristol Bears coach.

Lam has proven his ability to deliver at the highest level with limited resources, as evidenced by his success with Bristol and Connacht. His expansive style of rugby would also attract fans back to the Principality Stadium.

The WRU will need to assess which of these options is within reach, but the pool of candidates provides Welsh rugby fans with reasons for optimism.

Conclusion

Franco Smith stands out as a logical choice, given his proven track record of delivering results and, crucially, developing young talent.

If Wales were able to secure his services, it would be seen as a coup. For those inclined to place a bet, Smith at 8/1 represents excellent value.

Regardless of who takes the helm, the future of Welsh rugby depends on rebuilding and nurturing the next generation of players.

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