The Six Nations coaching landscape could look very different over the next few years.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is now only a year away, and major decisions will follow the tournament in Australia.
Some current bosses could leave. Others already have long-term deals which could keep them in place for another World Cup cycle.
So who comes next?
From Shaun Edwards finally getting the England job to a World Cup winner taking charge of Wales, we've predicted the next head coach of every Six Nations nation.
ENGLAND – Shaun Edwards
Current coach: Steve Borthwick
RUCK prediction: Shaun Edwards
This feels like a move that could eventually happen.
Steve Borthwick's future is likely to be heavily influenced by England's performance at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
RUCK has already looked at how Shaun Edwards could eventually replace Borthwick, with the former Wales and France defence guru an obvious candidate if the RFU decides to make a change.
Edwards has also now finally joined an England set-up.
He is working with the Red Roses in a consultancy role, with The Guardian confirming his appointment.
His CV at Test level speaks for itself.
Edwards knows the Six Nations inside out after long spells with Wales and France.
There would be plenty of other candidates, but if England want an experienced international coach capable of immediately changing their identity, Edwards would surely be in the conversation.
Prediction: Shaun Edwards
IRELAND – Ronan O'Gara
Current coach: Andy Farrell
RUCK prediction: Ronan O'Gara
This one could require some patience.
Andy Farrell has committed his long-term future to Ireland, with the IRFU confirming his new deal runs through to the end of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
That means Ireland have no obvious reason to consider a change anytime soon.
But whenever Farrell does eventually leave, Ronan O'Gara will surely be among the names discussed.
The former Ireland fly-half has built an outstanding reputation in France with La Rochelle and has already won major European silverware.
Simon Easterby would represent the obvious continuity candidate from within the Irish system.
However, if Ireland eventually want a fresh voice and one of their greatest players is available, O'Gara could be very difficult to overlook.
Prediction: Ronan O'Gara
FRANCE – Ugo Mola
Current coach: Fabien Galthié
RUCK prediction: Ugo Mola
Perhaps the most obvious succession plan on this list.
Fabien Galthié remains in charge heading towards the World Cup, but France will eventually have to decide whether to continue with him for another cycle.
If they decide it is time for something new, Ugo Mola looks perfectly placed.
The Toulouse boss has built one of the dominant club sides in European rugby.
Mola has already been asked publicly about potentially succeeding Galthié. He has played down the speculation, but that is unlikely to stop his name being linked with the job.
Yannick Bru would be another serious contender.
However, Mola's sustained success with Toulouse makes him our pick.
Prediction: Ugo Mola
SCOTLAND – Franco Smith
Current coach: Gregor Townsend
RUCK prediction: Franco Smith
Gregor Townsend has been in charge of Scotland since 2017.
His latest deal takes him through the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Scottish Rugby confirming the extension.
By that point, Townsend will have completed a decade in the job.
That feels like a natural point for both sides to consider something different.
Franco Smith would make plenty of sense.
The former Italy boss has transformed Glasgow Warriors during his time in Scotland and already understands the country's players and rugby structure.
Smith's own future at Glasgow also looks secure. Scottish Rugby board documents revealed plans to extend his deal through to 2028.
He would offer continuity without simply maintaining the same coaching set-up.
His previous experience with Italy also means he knows exactly what Test rugby and the Six Nations demand.
If Townsend moves on after Australia, expect Smith's name to be very high on the list.
Prediction: Franco Smith
WALES – Jake White
Current coach: Steve Tandy
RUCK prediction: Jake White
Now we're getting ambitious.
Steve Tandy is only at the start of his Wales tenure, so there is absolutely no suggestion that the WRU is preparing to make another change.
This is a longer-term prediction.
Jake White has emerged as a contender for the Fiji job ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The former Springboks boss famously guided South Africa to World Cup glory in 2007.
If White takes the Fiji role and enjoys a successful short spell with the Pacific Islanders, his reputation at Test level would receive another significant boost.
That could make Wales interesting.
White has coached across the world and has never been afraid of taking on a major rebuilding job.
If Wales eventually decide they need an experienced overseas figure to take control after Tandy, there would be few available coaches with a CV to match his.
It would be a bold appointment.
But Wales have made those before.
Prediction: Jake White
Wildcard: Tana Umaga
ITALY – Eddie Jones
Current coach: Gonzalo Quesada
RUCK prediction: Eddie Jones
Why not?
Gonzalo Quesada has helped Italy become an increasingly dangerous Six Nations opponent and remains very much in charge of the Azzurri.
But whenever Italy next look for a head coach, Eddie Jones would be a fascinating option.
Jones is currently in his second spell in charge of Japan and has spent much of his career working with nations attempting to close the gap on rugby's traditional powers.
Italy would present a similar challenge.
There is an exciting generation of Italian talent emerging, and Jones has never been afraid to take an unconventional job.
At this stage of his career, another traditional powerhouse appointment might be unlikely.
Taking over an ambitious Italy side and attempting to turn them into genuine Six Nations contenders?
That sounds exactly like the sort of challenge Jones might enjoy.
It would certainly be entertaining.
Prediction: Eddie Jones
