Scotland's Five man shortlist to replace Gregor Townsend as head coach

With pressure mounting on the SRU to decide the next phase of the national programme, attention is turning to who could take charge next. Here are five potential successors should change become unavoidable.

Highly rated within Irish rugby circles, Simon Easterby has begun to build a reputation as a future international head coach. His first real opportunity came in late 2024 when he stepped in as Ireland’s interim boss while Andy Farrell took charge of the British & Irish Lions. That spell began encouragingly, with a Six Nations victory over England in early 2025 highlighting his calm authority and tactical clarity.

Easterby has operated at the top level for several years, initially as Ireland’s forwards coach before successfully switching to defence in 2021. While his senior head coaching experience remains limited, his exposure to elite environments and modern systems is considerable. A move to Scotland would represent a major step, but the chance to lead a national side outright may prove tempting.

Few figures have shaped modern Scottish rugby quite like Greig Laidlaw. A talismanic presence for nearly a decade, he won 76 caps, captained Scotland a record 39 times and retired as the nation’s second-highest points scorer. Calm under pressure and fiercely competitive, Laidlaw embodied leadership throughout a demanding international career.

Since retiring in 2019, he has quietly begun his coaching journey in Japan, gaining experience away from the scrutiny of the Test arena. While still very much a long-term project, his deep understanding of Scottish rugby culture sets him apart. Experience at both scrum-half and fly-half gives him a broad tactical perspective, while his influence off the field was universally respected. Appointing Laidlaw would be a bold, future-facing decision rather than an immediate solution, but one worth watching closely.

Elite pedigree defines Joe Schmidt’s coaching career. At club level, he oversaw an unprecedented period of success with Leinster, reaching six finals and winning four trophies in just three seasons. That momentum carried into international rugby, where he transformed Ireland into a world power between 2013 and 2019, delivering three Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam and historic victories over New Zealand.

After later roles with the All Blacks and Australia, Schmidt remains one of the sharpest tactical minds in the game. His current tenure with the Wallabies, set to end soon, makes a move north unlikely, particularly given family considerations. Were availability not an issue, Scotland would struggle to find a more accomplished candidate. For now, however, this remains more theoretical than realistic.

A return to familiar territory could appeal if the SRU prioritise structure and resilience. Vern Cotter’s previous spell as Scotland head coach between 2014 and 2017 delivered clear progress, culminating in a World Cup quarter-final and a team renowned for defensive grit and physical conditioning.

Beyond Murrayfield, Cotter boasts an impressive club résumé. He guided Clermont Auvergne to their first-ever Top 14 title after multiple near misses and enjoyed Super Rugby success with the Crusaders and Blues. More recently, he coached Fiji with mixed outcomes. Cotter understands the Scottish system, the pressures of the role and the need for cultural buy-in. While not a glamorous appointment, his experience and authority would bring immediate stability and clarity.

Momentum makes Franco Smith the standout candidate. Since arriving at Glasgow Warriors, he has reshaped the club into one of the most dynamic teams in the URC, blending attacking ambition with growing consistency. That transformation was rewarded with URC success in 2024 and widespread praise across Europe.

Smith’s high-tempo, heads-up approach suits Scotland’s current playing group, packed with creative backs and mobile forwards. Importantly, he also brings international experience from his time as Italy head coach before moving into a high-performance leadership role. His existing knowledge of Scottish players, systems and supporters would allow continuity rather than disruption. If change comes, appointing Smith would feel less like a reset and more like the next step forward.