Shaun Edwards to replace Borthwick as England head coach

Saturday, 30 May 2026 at 11:16

bySteven Smith

As the international rugby landscape enters a new cycle, attention is already shifting to the coaches who could shape the sport's next chapter.

With several leading nations facing key decisions in the coming years, the race to secure the game's brightest tactical minds and most respected figures is set to intensify.

Perhaps no succession plan is under greater scrutiny than in South Africa, where a two-time Rugby World Cup winner is among the names tipped to eventually take over from Rassie Erasmus.

RUCK picks the leading candidates to become the next head coach of every major rugby nation.

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England – Shaun Edwards

One of the best coaches in the world is English, and the RFU should be targeting him as a replacement for Steve Borthwick.

Shaun Edwards’ reputation as a tactician and motivator is unparalleled, and his defensive acumen could immediately strengthen England’s set-up.

Edwards’ playing career in rugby league was legendary. He won eight championships and nine Challenge Cups with Wigan Warriors and played in a record eleven finals.

Transitioning to rugby union, Edwards coached London Wasps from 2005 to 2011, winning multiple Premiership titles and European trophies. He later became Wales’ defence coach, contributing to three Grand Slams and four Six Nations victories.

More recently, he guided France to three Six Nations titles as defence coach. His track record of adapting to new challenges, coupled with his tactical genius, positions him as a prime candidate to lead England forward.

Scotland – Franco Smith

Franco Smith has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most respected coaches. Since joining Glasgow Warriors in 2022, he transformed the team’s playing style and led them to the 2024 URC title, showcasing his strategic vision.

He brings valuable international experience, having served as Italy’s head coach and later Head of High Performance. This exposure provides him with a global perspective that aligns well with the Scottish Rugby Union’s ambitions.

Although he recently extended his Glasgow contract, his name frequently appears in discussions about Scotland’s future.

Ireland – Ronan O’Gara

Ronan O’Gara is considered one of the most compelling candidates to succeed Andy Farrell. His reputation as a player and coach gives him credibility and respect within Irish rugby.

After retiring, O’Gara honed his coaching skills with Racing 92 and the Crusaders. He then led La Rochelle to consecutive European Cup victories in 2022 and 2023, demonstrating his ability to win at the highest level.

O’Gara’s deep connection to Munster and Irish rugby culture strengthens his suitability for the national role. He understands domestic structures, player development, and the ethos that drives success in Ireland.

Wales – Simon Easterby

Simon Easterby offers Wales a coach built on consistency, detail, and experience. His journey began at Scarlets, where he progressed from defence coach to head coach, honing expertise in forwards play and defensive systems.

Easterby briefly led Ireland as interim head coach in 2025, gaining exposure to international-level management. His calm demeanor and disciplined approach earned praise from players and colleagues alike.

His familiarity with Welsh rugby, combined with insights gained abroad, gives him a unique perspective.

He understands both domestic and international rugby demands, even if he likely won't be offered a job with Wales any time soon given the impressive job Steve Tandy is currently doing.

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.

South Africa – Duane Vermeulen

Duane Vermeulen, a former Springbok Number eight, is emerging as a natural candidate to succeed Rassie Erasmus.

Known as “Thor” or “The Bone Collector,” he was instrumental in South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup victories.

Vermeulen’s playing career was defined by versatility, physical dominance, and leadership across the back row, earning him widespread acclaim. He received Man of the Match in two World Cup finals.

Transitioning into coaching as an assistant, he now combines intimate knowledge of the Springbok system with experience at the highest level.

His credibility with players, tactical insight, and understanding of team culture make him a logical choice to maintain continuity while implementing modern strategies.