The director of rugby and head coach duo Wales should appoint for new era
Warren Gatland’s departure as Wales’ head coach marks the conclusion of an era and ushers in a period of intense speculation regarding his successor.
Currently languishing at an all-time low of 12th in the world rankings, Wales have suffered a record-breaking 14 consecutive defeats. However, with a finite number of international coaching roles, WalesOnline has learned that significant interest in the position has emerged.
Among the frontrunners for the role are Simon Easterby, Franco Smith and Michael Cheika, with Pat Lam, Brad Mooar and Steve Tandy other potential options.
READ MORE: Today's rugby news as Wales 'too big a job' for Franco Smith and Ireland pick out Welsh 'threat'
READ MORE: First Wales star speaks out on Gatland's 'sad' address to players and what's now changed
Easterby stands out as an excellent candidate. Having been an integral member of the coaching staff under Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell with Ireland, he possesses both extensive international experience and a deep understanding of Welsh rugby’s complex challenges, having spent 15 years in Wales as a player and coach at the Scarlets.
However, the Irish Rugby Football Union’s £500,000 asking price may present a substantial hurdle. Should Easterby be deemed unattainable, the Welsh Rugby Union would be well-advised to turn their attention to Smith, the highly-regarded coach of Glasgow Warriors.
While Australian Cheika boasts an impressive coaching resume, his fiery temperament may be a concern for the WRU, despite the potential benefits of his no-nonsense approach. Smith, on the other hand, offers a more measured fit for a long-term rebuilding project.
Smith’s coaching journey is notably diverse. While his CV may not rival Cheika’s in terms of high-profile titles – which include a Super Rugby title with the Waratahs, a Heineken Cup with Leinster and leading Australia to the Rugby World Cup final in 2015 – Smith has garnered success in developing under-resourced teams.
His tenure with Italy, though marked by a record of 16 consecutive losses, laid the groundwork for a more competitive side, with debutants such as Michele Lamaro, Danilo Fischetti, Monty Ioane and Paolo Garbisi emerging under his stewardship. Smith’s ability to install an attacking blueprint in a side previously known for a strong pack but limited creativity has earned him respect.
Since joining Glasgow in 2023, he has led the team to victory in the United Rugby Championship, securing an unlikely triumph against the Bulls in Pretoria. Known for his attention to detail and high standards, Smith has earned praise for developing an all-court game with a powerful forward pack and an exciting backline capable of scoring from anywhere.
However, should the WRU seek to secure his services, they must act swiftly, as reports suggest that Scotland’s Gregor Townsend is under pressure, and if his position were to be vacated, the Scottish Rugby Union would be remiss not to pursue Smith.
Beyond the head coach position, the WRU is also in need of a director of rugby (DOR) to oversee the professional game. Appointing a head coach before securing a DOR would be akin to placing the cart before the horse, as the dynamic between the two roles will be pivotal for Wales’ future.
The DOR must bring a high level of rugby intellect to the WRU boardroom, which has been sorely lacking in recent years. A focus on strengthening the regional game and developing talent pathways is essential. The successful candidate must be a strong-willed individual and prepared to make difficult decisions for the greater good of Welsh rugby, even if it means upsetting a few factions.
They must also avoid repeating the mistakes of Gatland’s second tenure, during which it was written into his contract that he would report directly to the CEO, bypassing former WRU chief Nigel Walker. This structure must change, with the head coach now held accountable to the DOR.
Given Wales’ comparatively smaller playing pool, their development system must be second to none. One potential candidate for the DOR role is Stuart Lancaster, the former England and Leinster coach, who has been out of work since his sacking by Racing 92.
Lancaster’s extensive experience, particularly in developing young talent within England’s pathways, makes him a prime candidate. At 55, he may be better suited to a DOR role than a head coach position, but his expertise in overseeing long-term development projects is invaluable.
Wales, unlike the situation in 2008 when the appointment of a world-class coach sparked an era of unprecedented success, now finds itself in a far more challenging position. While talent remains in abundance, the task of rejuvenating the team will take time.
The future of Welsh rugby hinges not only on a new head coach but also on securing the right DOR, and Smith and Lancaster may well be the ideal duo to lead them forward.
