Although Franco Smith has been heavily linked with taking over Wales’ coaching reins on a permanent basis, he is “100% committed” to his current role at Glasgow Warriors.
That was the word from the Scotstoun-based outfit’s attack coach Nigel Carolan after Warriors head coach Smith emerged as one of the leading candidates to take over the Welsh top job after the Six Nations.
Long-time boss Warren Gatland stepped down from his position “by mutual agreement” with the Welsh Rugby Union after they suffered a 22-15 defeat against Italy in Round Two of the Championship.
That was Wales’ 14th successive Test loss and Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt was then appointed as Gatland’s replacement on an interim basis for the rest of this year’s Six Nations.
South African Smith guided Glasgow Warriors to last season’s United Rugby Championship (URC) title and according to a WalesOnline report, the former Springboks utility back and Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby have already been tapped up to take over the Wales role on a permanent basis.
Michael Cheika also in the running
Earlier this week, it also emerged that Michael Cheika, who is leaving his position as Leicester Tigers boss at the end of this season, has set his sights on the Wales coaching position.
In the build-up to Glasgow‘s recent game against the Dragons, Smith stressed that he is fully focused on his current position with the URC champions but would not rule out the possibility of taking over the Wales job.
What counts in his favour is the fact that he has experience at international level after serving as Italy’s head coach from 2019 to 2021 and he also served as the Azzurri’s head of high performance in 2021 and 2022.
Carolan admitted to being hopeful that Smith stays in his current position but acknowledged that his success with the Warriors is bound to make him a wanted man when other job offers become available.
‘Down to the work that he’s done’
“He’s done wonderful work since he’s been here,” Carolan told The Scotsman. “If his name gets bandied around in the media then good and that’s down to the work that he’s done and the position of Glasgow Warriors.
“That’s helped Scottish rugby as well.
“He’s very coy, and he’s committed to Glasgow Warriors. At the moment, as far as we’re concerned, he’s not going anywhere.
“He’s making massive plans here for the future. He has told me his plans are to stay here. At the moment he’s 100 percent committed to Glasgow Warriors.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/wales-dealt-a-blow-as-sought-after-possible-warren-gatland-successor-is-not-going-anywhere
