The international coaching landscape could look very different over the next few years with the likes of Eddie Jones set to be on the move.
Some of rugby’s biggest nations have already locked down their plans beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while others could face major decisions immediately after the tournament in Australia.
Rassie Erasmus and Andy Farrell have both committed until 2031, while England are preparing to give Steve Borthwick greater security beyond the next World Cup.
Elsewhere, several huge coaching names could eventually become available.
That includes former England boss Eddie Jones, who could even make a shock return to the Six Nations once his latest spell with Japan comes to an end.
RUCK takes a look at a potential future head coach for every major rugby nation.
England – Shaun Edwards
Current head coach: Steve Borthwick
England’s situation has become particularly interesting.
Steve Borthwick is set to receive a new England contract that would take him beyond the 2028 Six Nations.
The RFU wants to remove uncertainty around the coaching team heading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while still giving itself time to assess England’s progress afterwards.
If a change eventually comes, Shaun Edwards would surely be one of the most intriguing options.
The Englishman has built an extraordinary coaching CV after a legendary rugby league playing career.
Edwards helped Wales win multiple Six Nations titles and Grand Slams before joining France, where he further enhanced his reputation as one of the most respected defensive coaches in world rugby.
His departure from the French set-up has only made his future more interesting.
If England eventually decide they need a new direction, Edwards would be one of the biggest names available.
South Africa – Duane Vermeulen
Current head coach: Rassie Erasmus
South Africa have already removed any immediate uncertainty surrounding Rassie Erasmus.
The double World Cup winner signed a contract extension with South Africa through to the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the United States.
That means any succession plan is a long-term one.
But when Erasmus eventually does step aside, Duane Vermeulen could be perfectly positioned.
The former Springbok number eight was a key member of South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 World Cup-winning squads before moving into coaching.
Vermeulen understands the culture Erasmus has created and has remained closely involved with the Springbok system since retiring.
There is still a long way to go, but he looks like one of the most natural candidates to eventually continue the dynasty.
Ireland – Ronan O’Gara
Current head coach: Andy Farrell
Ireland have already secured Andy Farrell for the long haul.
The IRFU extended Farrell’s contract until 2031, meaning he is now due to lead Ireland at both the 2027 and 2031 Rugby World Cups.
But when Farrell eventually moves on, Ronan O’Gara could be waiting.
The former Ireland and Munster fly-half has built one of the most impressive coaching CVs of his generation.
O’Gara gained experience with Racing 92 and the Crusaders before taking charge at La Rochelle, where he masterminded consecutive European Champions Cup triumphs in 2022 and 2023.
The timing has now become particularly interesting.
O’Gara has committed his future to La Rochelle until 2031, the same year Farrell’s current Ireland deal comes to an end.
An O’Gara return to Irish rugby has been discussed for years.
The biggest job of all could eventually be the one that brings him home.
Scotland – Franco Smith
Current head coach: Gregor Townsend
Scotland could face one of the biggest decisions after the 2027 World Cup.
Gregor Townsend is contracted through the tournament in Australia, by which point he will have spent more than a decade in charge.
Waiting nearby is Franco Smith.
The former Italy boss has transformed Glasgow Warriors since arriving in 2022.
His biggest achievement came in 2024 when Glasgow stunned the Bulls in Pretoria to win the United Rugby Championship.
Smith has since committed his future to Glasgow beyond the next World Cup.
He also brings previous Test experience from his spell in charge of Italy.
If Townsend’s long reign ends following Australia 2027, Smith would represent a logical continuity option.
Wales – Matt Sherratt
Current head coach: Steve Tandy
Wales are only just beginning their latest era.
Steve Tandy took charge in 2025 and is tasked with rebuilding the national side ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Predicting his eventual replacement is therefore difficult.
But Matt Sherratt is a name worth watching.
The former Cardiff boss already has experience leading Wales after serving as interim head coach.
He subsequently became part of Tandy’s permanent coaching team, giving him the opportunity to build further international experience.
Sherratt knows the players, understands the Welsh system and has already experienced the pressure of leading the national side.
If Wales eventually decide to promote from within, he could be difficult to ignore.
France – Ugo Mola
Current head coach: Fabien Galthié
France could eventually have a huge decision to make.
Fabien Galthié has been in charge since 2019 and has overseen one of the strongest periods in recent French rugby history.
But if France eventually want a new direction, Ugo Mola would be an obvious name.
Mola has created a dynasty at Toulouse.
He has delivered domestic and European success while working closely with many of France’s biggest stars.
Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos have all developed into world-class internationals during his time in charge.
Mola has not been appointed as Galthié’s successor and there is no suggestion a change is imminent.
But whenever France eventually need another head coach, the Toulouse boss is likely to be part of the conversation.
Italy – Eddie Jones
Current head coach: Gonzalo Quesada
Now for the wild card.
Eddie Jones could make a shock return to the Six Nations with Italy.
There is currently no suggestion Italy are preparing to replace Gonzalo Quesada.
The Argentine has overseen significant progress and remains firmly in charge heading towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
But coaching landscapes can change quickly after a World Cup.
Jones remains in charge of Japan and is preparing the Brave Blossoms for another crack at the Webb Ellis Cup.
The Australian knows the Six Nations better than most.
He won three Championships during his seven-year spell with England, including a Grand Slam in his first season in charge.
Jones also guided England to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final before eventually leaving the job in December 2022.
If Italy eventually need a new coach and Jones wants another major international challenge after 2027, it would certainly be one of rugby’s most intriguing appointments.
Argentina – Gonzalo Quesada
Current head coach: Felipe Contepomi
Felipe Contepomi remains in charge of Argentina heading towards the World Cup.
But if Los Pumas eventually need another head coach, Gonzalo Quesada would be an obvious candidate.
The former Argentina fly-half has built an extensive coaching career in Europe.
He won the Top 14 with Stade Français and also guided the Jaguares to the Super Rugby final.
His reputation has continued to grow since taking charge of Italy following the 2023 World Cup.
Quesada has helped develop a more competitive Italian side while adding valuable Test experience to his CV.
There is no suggestion he is preparing to leave Italy.
But if the Argentina job becomes available later in his career, a return home would make plenty of sense.
New Zealand – Tony Brown
Current head coach: Dave Rennie
New Zealand have already made one particularly interesting move for the next World Cup cycle.
Tony Brown is coming home.
The highly-rated attack coach is currently part of Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok set-up.
However, New Zealand Rugby has confirmed Brown will join the All Blacks as an assistant coach from 2028.
For now, he is exactly that – an assistant.
Dave Rennie remains the All Blacks head coach and has assembled his own coaching team to take New Zealand through to the 2027 World Cup.
However, NZR has confirmed that the process surrounding the head coach position will be discussed no later than the end of the 2027 Rugby Championship.
Brown has long been regarded as one of New Zealand’s sharpest attacking minds.
Getting him back inside the All Blacks environment could eventually put him in a strong position to challenge for the top job.
Australia – Stephen Larkham
Current head coach: Les Kiss
Australia have already undergone their major coaching transition.
Les Kiss succeeded Joe Schmidt and has the responsibility of leading the Wallabies towards a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Looking further ahead, Stephen Larkham remains an obvious Australian candidate.
The legendary Wallabies fly-half has spent years building his coaching experience since retiring.
Larkham previously worked as an Australia assistant before taking charge of the Brumbies.
He also spent time coaching Munster in Ireland before returning to Canberra.
That combination of international experience and detailed knowledge of Australian rugby makes him an interesting long-term option.
Whether the timing ever lines up remains to be seen.
Japan – Jamie Joseph
Current head coach: Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones remains in charge of Japan and is preparing the Brave Blossoms for another Rugby World Cup.
His long-term future beyond Australia 2027 is less clear.
If Japan eventually decide to begin another era, Jamie Joseph could represent a familiar option.
Joseph previously led Japan between 2016 and 2023.
His defining achievement came at the 2019 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Japan stunned Ireland and Scotland on their way to topping their pool and reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.
Joseph understands Japanese rugby and has extensive experience working within its domestic system.
Going back to a former coach would not represent a radical appointment.
But if Japan eventually want stability after Jones, Joseph would certainly be a name worth considering.
