The 2026 Six Nations may have shown signs of life for Scotland, but don’t be fooled — this story isn’t going away anytime soon.
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Newcastle move already shifting 🔄
Up at Kingston Park, the picture has changed quickly with over 20 new signings confirmed for next season.
Lions and Wales legend Stephen Jones is now calling the shots at Newcastle Falcons after Alan Dickens moved on, accelerating what already looked like a long-term reset behind the scenes.
It only adds more fuel to the idea that Gregor Townsend has a landing spot lined up. With structural changes underway and familiar faces coming through the door, the groundwork is being quietly laid.
Scotland improved… but not enough 📈
On the pitch, Scotland were better in the 2026 Championship — more cohesive, more competitive — but ultimately still fell short of silverware.
For Townsend, that’s the story of his tenure in a nutshell: progress without the big payoff.
World Cup now the finish line 🎯
The key shift? Time.
Where there was once real noise around his position, the improved Six Nations campaign appears to have bought Townsend breathing room. The expectation now is clear — he stays in charge through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
That effectively makes Australia the endgame.
One last shot 🔥
Townsend will get his World Cup. That much now looks certain.
But with Franco Smith still looming as a long-term successor and Newcastle quietly reshaping in the background, the writing feels familiar.
One final cycle. One last chance to turn “nearly” into something more.
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Here are our picks for the next head coach for every major rugby nation.
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.
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.
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