Scotland bosses want to keep their South African coaches

SPOTLIGHT: Their budgets may have been cut, and a number of their international imports are already heading for the exit door.

However, Scottish Rugby CEO Alex Williamson hopes to keep their South African coaches on board.

Edinburgh and Glasgow are both facing well-documented budget cuts ahead of the 2025-26 season, with the Scottish media describing the country’s financial situation as ‘grim’.

The confirmed departures from the Warriors roster include imports like Sebastian Cancelliere, Henco Venter, JP du Preez and Facundo Cordero.

The group joined Allan Dell and Richie Gray, both having departed the team for new opportunities during the 2024/25 season, in making the switch to pastures new, along with assistant coach Pete Murchie, who will take up a new coaching role overseas next season.

Speculation around the future of their South African coach, Franco Smith, grew louder after his emotional post-match response to the United Rugby Championship semifinal loss to Leinster almost a fortnight ago.

“I need to reflect a little bit,” Smith said, adding: “I can say I put my heart into this. That hasn’t changed.

“I’ll sit down now and reflect a little bit. For now, I’m just proud of the season that’s gone.”

The CEO, Williamson, speaking to the Scottish media this week, said he can understand Smith’s frustration at not having the free hand to invest in his squad as he enjoyed during his first two years as Glasgow Warriors coach.

Smith has been linked with several high-profile coaching roles this season, including the vacant Wales job.

However, the Scottish boss is determined to retain the services of Smith and his compatriot Sean Everitt, the Edinburgh coach.

“We also really think Franco and Sean will continue to develop the quality of our player groups through the teams,” he said.

“We absolutely want them in.

“You want your coaches to be loaded and charged and emotional and frustrated, particularly in moments like those, but I don’t actually think there is a huge gap between what Franco wants and what we’re talking about.

“The challenge is probably that the structures aren’t bedded in and as a consequence we’ve not really had the opportunity to test and stress test the thinking.

“We all believe that there is a place for foreign players, they just have to be the right ones in the right moments.”

Sources: Scotland Rugby News & The Offside Line