BREAKING: Gregor Townsend close to making shock early Scotland exit

Saturday, 22 November 2025 at 11:17

byRugby Rucker

Despite recently putting pen to paper on a contract extension, whispers from north of the border suggest Gregor Townsend’s tenure as Scotland head coach could be coming to a premature end.

Townsend’s decision to take on a second role with Austrian-owned Red Bull has not gone down well with supporters, even with the argument that it could funnel much-needed investment into Scottish rugby.

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As Rugby Pass’ Neil Fissler reports, “the knives are out for Townsend in Scotland,” a sentiment reflected in the boos that greeted the squad last weekend. Yet the coach was unflinching at yesterday’s pre-match media conference. “I’m here to address anything,” he declared.

He continued: “I’ve seen the team play the best rugby it’s played in the eight years over the last two or three weeks. Now, we’re very disappointed we didn’t get a win against New Zealand and Argentina.

"We created enough against New Zealand, and we were 21-0 up against Argentina. To get in those positions, to be 21-0 up, the team is delivering up to that point.”

Fissler, widely regarded as the best source of rugby transfer gossip in the business, adds that the rumour mill is already in overdrive — and few would be shocked if Townsend were eased out of Edinburgh and installed at Kingston Park before the Six Nations.

? The top contenders to replace Gregor Townsend

? Joe Schmidt – The mastermind behind Ireland’s golden era

If Scotland want a proven winner, Schmidt ticks every box.

During his time in charge of Ireland (2013–2019), he delivered a Grand Slam, three Six Nations titles, a historic win over New Zealand, and a series victory in Australia.

He turned Ireland into a global juggernaut.

More recently, he helped New Zealand reach the 2023 World Cup final, showcasing once again his elite tactical brain.

Known for his meticulous planning and game management, Schmidt, who will depart the Wallabies next year, could bring a new level of precision and ruthlessness to Scotland.

Family commitments make this one unlikely, but there is no doubt he'd be a top candidate if he pit his name into the miz.

? Vern Cotter – The man who rebuilt Scotland once before

If the SRU want to go back to basics—and back to success—Cotter is your man.

The big Kiwi coached Scotland from 2014 to 2017, lifting the team from also-rans to serious contenders.

He guided them to a World Cup quarter-final in 2015, brought in a tough, disciplined edge, and gave fans unforgettable moments—like that 2017 Calcutta Cup win.

Currently in charge of Fiji, Cotter is a respected international operator with a gritty, forward-led approach. He doesn’t do fluff. Just results.

? Stuart Lancaster – The rebuilder turned title-winner

After a brutal exit as England head coach in 2015, Lancaster went back to the drawing board.

He rebuilt his coaching credentials at Leinster, masterminding their 2018 Champions Cup victory and multiple Pro14 titles, helping develop stars like James Ryan, Garry Ringrose, and Jordan Larmour.

Now the boss at Racing 92, Lancaster has evolved. He blends structure with attacking flair—just the kind of balance Scotland might need post-Townsend.

And crucially, he knows how to build a culture.

? Franco Smith – The tactical genius behind Glasgow’s rise

The form man in Scottish rugby right now.

Smith has transformed the Glasgow Warriors into one of the most exciting sides in the URC, lifting the 2024 Challenge Cup and winning plaudits across Europe.

His philosophy? High-tempo, heads-up rugby—ideal for a Scotland side packed with attacking threats.

A former Italy head coach, Smith has international pedigree and deep knowledge of Scottish rugby already. He could be the natural successor, keeping the momentum going with minimal disruption.