Ex-Scotland skipper: Franco could take Gregor's job

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Andy Nichol suggests Gregor Townsend's future as Scotland head coach will be decided by whether sought-after Franco Smith forces Scottish Rugby's hand.

Scotland, in a repeat of last year's finish, ended fourth in the 2025 Six Nations after three defeats, including a 35-16 loss to champions France.

In a post-championship review for the UK's Daily Mail with fellow former Scotland captain Jason White, Nichol believes Townsend should remain in charge but acknowledges that Smith's potential move to Wales could shift the national governing body's plans.

Smith, whose contract with Glasgow Warriors expires next year, has been linked to the vacant Wales role, and the former Springbok assistant coach and Italy head coach has not hidden his ambitions.

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"I would like to coach international rugby again. Most coaches dream of it," Smith was quoted in the media after Warren Gatland left his role as Wales head coach in February, following a then-record 14 successive Test match defeats.

"He [Townsend] will be hugely frustrated that the most games he has won in any Six Nations championship is three and that doesn't get the job done; you need to win a minimum of four to have a chance of winning the title," Nichol argues.

"The key to Gregor staying or going may not be down to what he has or has not done in the job; it might be determined by other vacancies. 

"Franco Smith is in the shop window and Wales may come calling to take him away from Glasgow which could, in turn, force the hand of Murrayfield to act quickly if they want to keep Smith in the Scottish system."

Photo: Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images

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