Scotland legend is among favourites to replace head coach Gregor Townsend
Rugby NewsSunday, 09 March 2025 at 12:55
Gregor Townsend is under fire after Scotland once again failed to head into the final weekend with a realistic chance of winning the Six Nations.
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With frustration mounting, former international Johnnie Beattie has warned fans that a change at the top doesn’t guarantee success.
Townsend’s tenure has been a rollercoaster—progress on the pitch, but World Cup heartbreak as Scotland crashed out at the group stage in back-to-back tournaments.
Speaking on the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast, Beattie reminded supporters of the attacking rugby Scotland have played under Townsend, even if results haven’t always followed.
“What we've had under Gregor has been fun rugby,” Beattie said.
“It hasn't always been winning rugby, but it's entertaining. We score tries, we're more creative than we've ever been.”
Beattie also questioned whether Scotland fans would prefer a more conservative style, referencing Steve Borthwick’s England and Warren Gatland’s pragmatic approach with Wales. But if Townsend were to go, who are the leading candidates to replace him?
The contenders to replace Gregor Townsend
Joe Schmidt – The mastermind behind Ireland’s golden era
A proven winner, Schmidt transformed Ireland into a global powerhouse during his tenure from 2013-2019, delivering a Grand Slam, multiple Six Nations titles, and a historic series win in Australia. More recently, he played a key role in New Zealand’s World Cup campaign, and his tactical nous could take Scotland to the next level.
Vern Cotter – The man who rebuilt Scotland once before
A fan favourite, Cotter was the architect of Scotland’s revival before Townsend took over. He led the team to a Rugby World Cup quarter-final in 2015 and a famous Calcutta Cup win in 2017. Now coaching Fiji, the big Kiwi’s no-nonsense approach and forward dominance could be exactly what Scotland need.
Stuart Lancaster – The coach who rebuilt England post-2011
After a difficult spell with England, Lancaster reinvented himself at Leinster, helping them win multiple European and domestic titles. Currently in charge at Racing 92, his experience in player development and structured rugby could bring fresh ideas to Scotland’s setup.
Franco Smith – The tactical genius behind Glasgow Warriors' resurgence
Smith has worked wonders with Glasgow Warriors, turning them into an attacking force in the URC. A former Italy coach, he’s known for his expansive playing style—something that would align well with Scotland’s current strengths. Could he be the homegrown option to keep the momentum going?
Greig Laidlaw – The former captain looking to make his mark
A Scotland legend with 76 caps, Laidlaw is still in the early stages of his coaching career. Currently coaching in Japan, he’s an outside bet, but his leadership qualities and deep understanding of Scottish rugby make him a name to watch for the future.
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“Still a chance” – How England can win the 2025 Six Nations next weekend
bien Galthié’s side are now in the driver’s seat, but England and Ireland remain firmly in the hunt. Even Scotland—somehow—still have a mathematical chance.
So, what does each team need to do to lift the trophy?
Scotland’s miracle mission
Scotland need a perfect storm to win. First, they must beat France with a bonus point, taking them to 16 points. However, that alone isn’t enough—they also need to overturn a 103-point deficit on Les Bleus, meaning a 52-point victory is required.
Even if that happens, Ireland must lose to Italy, and England must drop points against either Italy or Wales. There’s also a scenario where England and Ireland could both reach 16, adding further complications. Realistically, Scotland’s hopes are non-existent, but mathematically, they still have a shot.
Ireland’s outside chance
Ireland’s Grand Slam dream is over, but the title isn’t completely out of reach. The best they can do is finish on 19 points by securing a four-try victory over Italy. However, they now rely on others slipping up.
If England fail to reach 19 and France lose to Scotland, Andy Farrell’s side could still take the title. They play first on Super Saturday, giving them the chance to set the target, but they no longer control their own fate. A big win over Italy is the bare minimum, but they’ll need a helping hand elsewhere.
England’s two-step plan
England must win their final two matches against Italy and Wales, ideally with bonus points, to reach 20. That would eliminate Ireland and put them ahead of France if Galthié’s side fail to secure a bonus-point win over Scotland.
A total of 19 points could be enough, but it may come down to points difference. Crucially, England play before France, meaning they can apply pressure by setting a high target. Steve Borthwick’s men have a clear path to the title—but there’s no room for slip-ups.
France in the box seat
France’s dramatic win in Dublin put them in pole position. They sit on 16 points and will seal the title with a bonus-point victory over Scotland, which would take them to 21.
If they win without a bonus, England could match them on 20, but France’s superior points difference should be enough. A loss—or even a draw—could let England or Ireland in. They play last on Super Saturday, meaning they’ll know exactly what’s required. If France hold their nerve, the trophy is theirs.
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