Franco Smith will 'contemplate' his future soon
INTERVIEW: Springbok Franco Smith will be ‘contemplating’ his long-term coaching future, but that does not include a return to South Africa.
Speaking to Scotland Rugby News – ahead of the Glasgow Warriors’ 1872 Cup [United Rugby Championship) clash against Edinburgh – Smith said he will start pondering the options in the next two weeks.
The 52-year-old’s deal with defending URC champions Glasgow Warriors runs until 2026 – after penning an extension in September 2023.
Interest in the seasoned coach – with nine Springbok Test caps – has significantly increased after leading the Scottish outfit to the URC title last season.
Smith has transformed Glasgow and is highly respected across the game after previous stints in Italy and his homeland South Africa and he is on the radar of major teams.
He has also been widely tipped as Gregor Townsend’s successor as Scotland’s national team coach.
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Smith indicated he has no interest in other jobs currently as he is happy at Glasgow, but he will spend time thinking about his future shortly.
“There’s a lot of things in one’s life you’ve got to consider,” Smith told the Scottish publication.
“I was going to wait until next week to give this more thought, seeing that there’s a bit of a break for now.
“I have planned, but not necessarily my own life.
“I’ve never applied for a job.
“It always came and it came at the right moments, in the right areas.
“So I will let it happen that way again.
“For now, I’m enjoying the time here and the players are making it worthwhile.
“The [Glasgow Warriors] management is making it worthwhile to be here.
“No talks beyond.
“I don’t have any real thoughts beyond this next game regarding that.
“I’m mostly focused on what’s going to happen next.”
Source: Scotland Rugby News
Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)
