"Eddie to Boks" - Revealing every rugby nation's next head coach

Some names are obvious, others less so — but all carry experience, ambition, and a clear vision for the modern game.

Here’s a look at the leading contenders to take charge of each Tier 1 nation.

It would be quite the homecoming. Andy Farrell, who served as England’s assistant coach from 2011 to 2015, could be the man to return and lead the Red Roses.

Since taking over Ireland in 2019, Farrell has built a world-class side, delivering back-to-back Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2023, and a historic series win in New Zealand.

His appointment as Lions head coach for 2025 only boosted his standing. Having guided the Lions to a 2–1 win over Australia, Farrell’s reputation as a leader of men has never been higher.

Should England move on from Steve Borthwick, a reunion with Farrell — now a proven world-beater — would make perfect sense.

When Andy Farrell eventually steps aside, few candidates would excite Irish fans more than Ronan O’Gara. One of Ireland’s greatest players, O’Gara has quietly built an exceptional coaching résumé since retiring.

After spells with Racing 92 and the Crusaders, he took La Rochelle to consecutive European Cup victories in 2022 and 2023. His attacking approach and calm authority mirror the qualities that defined his playing career.

O’Gara’s bond with Munster and deep understanding of Irish rugby culture make him an obvious choice to lead the national side one day. While Simon Easterby impressed during Farrell’s Lions absence, O’Gara offers something different — a proven winner who combines modern coaching insight with the fire that drove Ireland’s golden generation.

Franco Smith has quickly become one of the most respected coaches in the United Rugby Championship. Since joining Glasgow Warriors in 2022, the South African has transformed their style and guided them to the 2024 URC title. His methodical approach and eye for attacking detail have drawn admiration across Europe.

Though he only recently extended his contract with Glasgow, his name keeps surfacing in discussions about Scotland’s future.

Smith’s previous international experience — including his spell as Italy’s head coach and later Head of High Performance — gives him the global perspective the Scottish Rugby Union values. His pragmatic yet expansive rugby philosophy seems a natural fit for Scotland’s next chapter.

Simon Easterby has long been a quiet but influential presence in Irish rugby, and his brief stint as Ireland’s interim head coach in 2025 gave him a taste of the top job. His coaching journey began with the Scarlets, where he moved from defence coach to head coach after his playing days.

That experience in Welsh rugby could be invaluable should Wales look for a future leader. Easterby’s reputation as a detail-driven forwards and defence coach makes him a logical successor to Steve Tandy or Warren Gatland down the line.

Calm, consistent, and well-regarded by players, Easterby could offer Wales stability and discipline during what is likely to be another period of rebuilding.

Gonzalo Quesada has revitalised Italy, but should he move on, Pablo Lemoine could be the next bold appointment. The former Uruguay prop has built an impressive international coaching résumé, leading Chile to their first-ever Rugby World Cup appearance in 2023. Lemoine’s experience across Uruguay, Germany, and Chile shows his ability to develop teams from the ground up.

His emphasis on discipline and long-term structures would suit Italy’s continuing rebuild.

Under his guidance, Chile achieved landmark wins and a defined identity, despite limited resources. Lemoine’s passion for emerging rugby nations and his technical grounding make him a fascinating option — one who could continue Italy’s upward trajectory beyond Quesada’s tenure.

Ugo Mola’s name has become synonymous with success at Toulouse. Since taking over in 2015, he’s built a dynasty: five Top 14 titles and two European Cups in seven seasons. That track record makes him an obvious candidate to eventually succeed Fabien Galthié as France’s head coach.

A former international himself, Mola understands French rugby’s flair and unpredictability but couples it with a strong emphasis on tactical structure.

He has developed a generation of players — Dupont, Ntamack, Ramos — who form the core of the current national side. If Galthié’s era winds down after the next World Cup cycle, Mola’s ability to win, nurture, and innovate could make him the natural successor.

Scott Robertson has only just begun his tenure, but New Zealand rarely stops thinking ahead. Jamie Joseph remains one of the few candidates who commands universal respect. The former All Black flanker made his name coaching the Highlanders to a Super Rugby title in 2015 before leading Japan to new heights, including their famous 2019 World Cup run.

Joseph’s mix of hard-edged discipline and cultural awareness has defined his coaching style. Should the All Blacks ever need a change in tone or a steadying hand, Joseph would be a natural fit — someone steeped in New Zealand rugby but with global experience few can match.

Replacing Rassie Erasmus will require a figure with stature, experience, and presence — qualities Eddie Jones has in abundance. Despite a turbulent second spell with Australia, Jones remains one of rugby’s sharpest minds. His tactical innovation, honed across stints with England, Japan, and Australia, keeps him relevant.

Jones was part of South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning setup, and his connection to the Springboks runs deep. His current role leading Japan again gives him international insight and adaptability. While his confrontational style divides opinion, few coaches have proven as capable of short-term transformation. If South Africa ever wanted to inject a jolt of intensity and unpredictability, Jones would deliver exactly that.

Michael Cheika’s name continues to hover around Australian rugby, and with Joe Schmidt’s time likely limited, a return could be on the cards. Cheika led the Wallabies to the 2015 World Cup final and remains the only coach to win top-flight club titles in both hemispheres. His time with Argentina from 2022 to 2023 restored his reputation, showcasing his ability to motivate underdogs.

Now also involved with rugby league’s Sydney Roosters and Lebanon’s national team, Cheika’s adaptability is unmatched. What sets him apart is his emotional connection to the Wallabies jersey — his passion resonates with fans and players alike. In a rebuilding era, his leadership could provide the spark Australian rugby needs.

After a strong start with Italy, Gonzalo Quesada could eventually find his way home to lead Los Pumas. The former fly-half has built an impressive coaching record across France and Super Rugby. He guided the Jaguares to a Super Rugby final in 2019 and led Stade Français to the Top 14 title in 2015. Since taking over Italy in 2024, Quesada has brought belief and structure, overseeing wins against Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations.

His calm demeanour and meticulous planning make him an ideal long-term choice for Argentina. A tactician who blends Latin passion with European precision, Quesada embodies the modern, globally minded coach Argentina would be lucky to reclaim.