France – Ugo Mola
Ugo Mola has crafted one of the most successful club dynasties in European rugby at Toulouse.
Since taking over in 2015, he has led the team to five Top 14 titles and two European Cups, establishing a culture of excellence.
A former international player, Mola understands the flair and unpredictability of French rugby. He couples this with tactical structure, ensuring teams perform consistently under pressure.
He has been instrumental in developing the next generation of talent, including Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, and Thomas Ramos. These players now form the backbone of the national team.
With Fabien Galthié’s era eventually concluding, Mola emerges as a natural successor.
Italy – Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones represents a high-risk, high-reward option for Italy’s future. Known for transforming teams under pressure, he has an established record of international success, including guiding England to the 2019 World Cup final.
Jones combines tactical intelligence, mental toughness, and adaptability. He tailors his approach to the strengths of his players, ensuring they perform at maximum capacity in high-stakes situations.
While Gonzalo Quesada currently leads Italy effectively, Jones would bring authority, experience, and strategic insight capable of accelerating their progress.
For Italy, Jones could be a transformative figure, delivering immediate results while building a sustainable platform for long-term competitiveness.
Argentina – Gonzalo Quesada
Gonzalo Quesada could be Argentina’s long-term coaching solution. A former fly-half, he has coached in Europe and Super Rugby, including leading the Jaguares to a Super Rugby final and Stade Français to the Top 14 title.
Since taking over Italy in 2024, Quesada has brought belief, structure, and improved performance, highlighted by notable wins over Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations, as well as a 2026 campaign that saw home wins over Scotland and England.
Quesada’s blend of Latin passion and European precision suits Argentina’s evolving rugby culture, bridging flair with structure.
New Zealand – Joe Schmidt
This probably won’t come to fruition for a while, since Dave Rennie has only just been appointed.
Schmidt led Ireland from 2013 to 2019, winning three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam, and overseeing historic victories over the All Blacks.
Under his leadership, Ireland reached number one in the World Rugby Rankings, a first in their history. Schmidt’s coaching combines tactical intelligence, analytical precision, and attention to detail.
He later served as the All Blacks’ attack coach from 2022 to 2023, gaining valuable insight into domestic systems and player development.
His international pedigree and proven track record make him a top candidate to lead the All Blacks once the current cycle concludes.
Australia – Michael Cheika
Michael Cheika remains a prominent figure in Australian rugby. He led the Wallabies to the 2015 World Cup final and is the only coach to have won major club titles in both hemispheres.
Cheika’s time with Argentina from 2022 to 2023 demonstrated his ability to motivate underdogs and achieve results under pressure.
Known for his emotional connection to the Wallabies and ability to inspire players, he commands respect and brings energy to every team he leads.
Cheika is well-suited to guide Australia through rebuilding phases, providing leadership, structure, and the spark needed to return to the top tier of international rugby.
QUIZ: Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men’s Rugby World Cups?
You’ve got just 5 minutes on the clock – no pressure!
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