Who could be next in line to lead rugby’s biggest nations? From established international coaches to rising stars making their mark at club level, we look at the potential successors to every current Tier 1 head coach.
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While some jobs may not become available for years, others could open sooner, with several leading candidates already positioning themselves for a future opportunity.
England – Shaun Edwards
England have one of the world’s most respected coaches within their own ranks, and Shaun Edwards could be a leading contender if the RFU eventually looks for a successor to Steve Borthwick.
Renowned for his tactical intelligence and ability to motivate players, Edwards has built a formidable reputation as a defensive coach. His arrival would bring extensive experience from both rugby league and rugby union.
His playing career with Wigan Warriors was one of the most decorated in the history of rugby league, winning eight championships and nine Challenge Cups while appearing in a record 11 finals.
After moving into rugby union coaching, Edwards spent six years with London Wasps, where he was part of a highly successful period for the club.
He later joined Wales as defence coach and played a major role in three Grand Slams and four Six Nations title-winning campaigns.
More recently, his work with France has further enhanced his reputation, making him an obvious name to consider whenever England begin looking towards their next coaching appointment.
France – Sébastien Piqueronies
Sébastien Piqueronies has steadily built an impressive coaching career and could emerge as an interesting option to eventually replace Fabien Galthié.
After ending his playing career, Piqueronies moved into player development, taking charge of Toulouse’s academy before working at the Marcoussis national training centre.
He later coached France at under-17 and under-20 level, guiding the latter to World Rugby U20 Championship titles in 2018 and 2019.
Since taking over Section Paloise in 2021, he has continued to develop his reputation as a coach willing to place his trust in young players and give emerging talent opportunities at the highest level.
His calm approach could suit the demands of Test rugby, although the likes of Yannick Bru and Ugo Mola would also be prominent names whenever the French job becomes available.
Wales – Mark Jones
Mark Jones has accumulated experience across several different rugby environments and is beginning to establish himself as a leading coach in Wales.
The Ospreys head coach has worked around the world during his coaching career, including a spell in New Zealand that raised plenty of eyebrows when he joined the Crusaders setup in 2020.
Working under Scott Robertson, Jones was involved in the Crusaders’ defence while also overseeing attacking and backline duties with Canterbury. His varied experience was further strengthened by his work with Wales U20.
Since taking charge of the Ospreys in 2025, Jones has been gaining experience in his first senior head coach role at the highest level. If he continues his development, he could become a candidate whenever Wales are next searching for a new head coach.
That opportunity may still be some distance away, however, with Steve Tandy making a positive start to his time in charge.