This week we will mostly be concerning ourselves with the coaching merry-go-round…
All change 2027?
If ever there was a week in which rugby’s increasing global cross-pollination was evident, this past week was it. A Scotsman coaching the All Blacks? Never in my day…
Mike Blair’s appointment to the New Zealand attack is a huge honour for the former international scrum-half and, should he make a good fist of it, surely a springboard to the Scottish national team should – as is widely expected – Gregor Townsend’s tenure come to an end after Australia 2027. Franco Smith might have something to say about that, while Blair could opt to stay with New Zealand and see out a longer term before stepping up, but it seems a logical path.
Which led Loose Pass to have a bit of a think about it. How many heirs apparents are waiting around the corner for the shift change likely to happen in 18 months’ time?
Ronan O’Gara’s star still shines bright despite the waning of a generation at La Rochelle as Andy Farrell heads into his seventh and eighth years as Ireland coach, also facing a bit of a reshuffle within his Ireland squad. While Simon Easterby would represent a continuation of Ireland’s progress – not least as he has been in charge while Farrell has been on Lions’ duty – O’Gara, with his experience in France and New Zealand, is a popular choice and has made little secret of his desire to take the job on.
There are few obvious changes likely to be made in Australia or South Africa, as Les Kiss beds in at the former and Rassie Erasmus continues his dynasty at the latter. With the Waratahs struggling, the remaining option for Rugby Australia, should the national team pancake at their own tournament, would most likely be Stephen Larkham. What happens in South Africa should Rassie cease to be a part of the coaching set-up is anybody’s guess, but it’s unlikely to be a smooth transition. Johann van Graan? Johan Ackerman?
Changes at Wales, Italy, France and Argentina?
Back to Europe, where Michael Cheika’s name was touted by a slightly more than coincidental number of journalists in the wake of England’s miserable Six Nations as a potential short-term fix before 2027. But assuming Steve Borthwick guides the good ship England down to Sydney harbour, it’s unlikely Cheika would be top of the succession list then. So who? Someone from the Prem? Phil Dowson? Geoff Parling? Rob Baxter? Or would the RFU scour the global market? Scott Robertson has an impressive CV, for example. So does Shaun Edwards, although it is widely acknowledged that he is most likely to remain the world’s premier authority on defence.
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It’s hard to imagine changes in Wales regardless of performance at Australia 2027, with many obvious successors to Steve Tandy already on the ticket, such as Matt Sherratt. Stephen Jones is missing head coaching roles on his CV despite his impressive international experience, while Mark Jones continues to impress in adversity at the Ospreys. Robertson’s name would also surely be on any WRU shortlist, assuming they can find the cash.
Italy’s progress under Gonzalo Quesada up to now has been superb and assuming the curve continues upwards there’s simply no reason to speculate. Should something remarkable happen over the next 18 months, perhaps Smith, with significant Italian connections, could be on a shortlist here too, particularly if Scotland does not work out.
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And finally, France and Argentina. Does Felipe Contepomi’s high-risk, thrill-a-minute style end up costing him? Does it mean that perhaps Quesada’s head is turned towards his homeland? There is no shortage of successors waiting in the wings to replace Fabien Galthie in France, not least Ugo Mola, Yannick Bru, Pierre Mignoni and – given his experience bringing through many of France’s brightest young players – Pau Director of Rugby Sebastien Piqueronies.
All idle bar chat, in one of the quieter weeks of the season. But feel free to post below any names you feel we might have missed out!
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