Wales want Simon Easterby or Franco Smith as Warren Gatland reign to end early
Simon Easterby and Franco Smith have emerged as the two leading contenders to replace Warren Gatland as head coach of Wales.
Gatland is contracted until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup but WalesOnline understands the Welsh Rugby Union has already decided to activate a break clause in his contract, which comes into play in the summer after leading Wales to a record 14 straight defeats. There is a WRU board meeting on Wednesday where the option of putting Gatland on gardening leave and appointing an interim head coach for the remainder of the Six Nations will be seriously discussed.
WalesOnline understands the WRU are already actively searching for a long-term replacement for Gatland, with Ireland defence guru Easterby and Glasgow Warriors head coach Smith the two front runners. It is also understood the WRU have held tentative talks with former Australia coach Michael Cheika, who is set to leave Leicester Tigers at the end of the season.
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Easterby is currently interim head coach of Ireland while Andy Farrell prepares for this summer's British & Irish Lions tour and has made a perfect start to the Six Nations with wins over England and Scotland, respectively. The 49-year-old former Ireland backrower spent the vast majority of his playing career representing the Scarlets before moving into coaching at the Welsh club prior to taking up the opportunity to coach at international level in 2014.
Easterby has been a key member of Joe Schmidt and Farrell's backroom team for Ireland in the most successful period in their history. He lives in Cowbridge, close to Wales' Vale Hotel training base, and has an in-depth knowledge of Welsh rugby from top to bottom.
If Easterby were to get the job, former Wales hooker Robin McBryde, who is now forwards coach at Leinster could join him, as reported by the Irish Mirror.
But South African coach Smith is also a serious operator and has done an outstanding job with Glasgow having led the Scottish club to United Rugby Championship glory last season with a stunning against the odds victory over the Bulls in Pretoria in the final. Smith has previously coached South African franchise the Cheetahs, Benetton and Italy before moving to Glasgow.
The 52-year-old also has an historic link to Welsh rugby having played for Newport for a season and is widely considered to be one of the finest coaching minds in the game.
But Smith is greatly admired in Scottish rugby circles and there is a chance Scotland could make a move for the former Springboks outside-half if they were to part ways with Gregor Townsend after the Six Nations.
However, before appointing a head coach the WRU need a new executive director of rugby and are working hard to find a replacement for Nigel Walker.
