The 2026 Six Nations may have shown signs of life for Scotland, but don\u2019t be fooled \u2014 this story isn\u2019t going away anytime soon.<\/p>\n
\u2b50 Save us to your\u00a0Google Favourites\u00a0<\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n Newcastle move already shifting \ud83d\udd04<\/p>\n Up at Kingston Park, the picture has changed quickly with over 20 new signings confirmed for next season.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Scotland improved\u2026 but not enough \ud83d\udcc8<\/p>\n On the pitch, Scotland were better in the 2026 Championship \u2014 more cohesive, more competitive \u2014 but ultimately still fell short of silverware.<\/p>\n For Townsend, that\u2019s the story of his tenure in a nutshell: progress without the big payoff.<\/p>\n World Cup now the finish line \ud83c\udfaf<\/p>\n The key shift? Time.<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 he stays in charge through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n That effectively makes Australia the endgame.<\/p>\n One last shot \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n Townsend will get his World Cup. That much now looks certain.<\/p>\n But with Franco Smith still looming as a long-term successor and Newcastle quietly reshaping in the background, the writing feels familiar.<\/p>\n One final cycle. One last chance to turn \u201cnearly\u201d into something more.<\/p>\n Join the RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n Here are our picks for the next head coach for every major rugby nation.<\/p>\n Scotland \u2013 Franco Smith<\/p>\n Franco Smith has rapidly emerged as one of Europe\u2019s most respected coaches. Since joining Glasgow Warriors in 2022, he transformed the team\u2019s playing style and led them to the 2024 URC title, showcasing his strategic vision.<\/p>\n He brings valuable international experience, having served as Italy\u2019s head coach and later Head of High Performance. This exposure provides him with a global perspective that aligns well with the Scottish Rugby Union\u2019s ambitions.<\/p>\n Although he recently extended his Glasgow contract, his name frequently appears in discussions about Scotland\u2019s future.<\/p>\n England \u2013 Shaun Edwards<\/p>\n One of the best coaches in the world is English, and the RFU should be targeting him as a replacement for Steve Borthwick. <\/p>\n Shaun Edwards\u2019 reputation as a tactician and motivator is unparalleled, and his defensive acumen could immediately strengthen England\u2019s set-up.<\/p>\n Edwards\u2019 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.<\/p>\n Transitioning to rugby union, Edwards coached London Wasps from 2005 to 2011, winning multiple Premiership titles and European trophies. He later became Wales\u2019 defence coach, contributing to three Grand Slams and four Six Nations victories.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n