Who could be next in line to lead rugby’s biggest nations? From established international coaches to rising stars making their mark at club level, we look at the potential successors to every current Tier 1 head coach.
While some jobs may not become available for years, others could open sooner, with several leading candidates already positioning themselves for a future opportunity.
England - Shaun Edwards
England have one of the world’s most respected coaches within their own ranks, and Shaun Edwards could be a leading contender if the RFU eventually looks for a successor to Steve Borthwick.
Renowned for his tactical intelligence and ability to motivate players, Edwards has built a formidable reputation as a defensive coach. His arrival would bring extensive experience from both rugby league and rugby union.
His playing career with Wigan Warriors was one of the most decorated in the history of rugby league, winning eight championships and nine Challenge Cups while appearing in a record 11 finals.
After moving into rugby union coaching, Edwards spent six years with London Wasps, where he was part of a highly successful period for the club.
He later joined Wales as defence coach and played a major role in three Grand Slams and four Six Nations title-winning campaigns.
More recently, his work with France has further enhanced his reputation, making him an obvious name to consider whenever England begin looking towards their next coaching appointment.
France - Sébastien Piqueronies
Sébastien Piqueronies has steadily built an impressive coaching career and could emerge as an interesting option to eventually replace Fabien Galthié.
After ending his playing career, Piqueronies moved into player development, taking charge of Toulouse's academy before working at the Marcoussis national training centre.
He later coached France at under-17 and under-20 level, guiding the latter to World Rugby U20 Championship titles in 2018 and 2019.
Since taking over Section Paloise in 2021, he has continued to develop his reputation as a coach willing to place his trust in young players and give emerging talent opportunities at the highest level.
His calm approach could suit the demands of Test rugby, although the likes of Yannick Bru and Ugo Mola would also be prominent names whenever the French job becomes available.
Wales - Mark Jones
Mark Jones has accumulated experience across several different rugby environments and is beginning to establish himself as a leading coach in Wales.
The Ospreys head coach has worked around the world during his coaching career, including a spell in New Zealand that raised plenty of eyebrows when he joined the Crusaders setup in 2020.
Working under Scott Robertson, Jones was involved in the Crusaders' defence while also overseeing attacking and backline duties with Canterbury. His varied experience was further strengthened by his work with Wales U20.
Since taking charge of the Ospreys in 2025, Jones has been gaining experience in his first senior head coach role at the highest level. If he continues his development, he could become a candidate whenever Wales are next searching for a new head coach.
That opportunity may still be some distance away, however, with Steve Tandy making a positive start to his time in charge.
New Zealand - Scott Hansen
Dave Rennie's strong start with the All Blacks means there appears to be little reason for New Zealand Rugby to consider a change in the near future.
When the time eventually comes to look towards the next generation, however, Scott Hansen could have developed into a serious candidate.
Having already worked as an assistant with the All Blacks between 2023 and 2026, Hansen has gained valuable experience within the international setup. His next challenge will come in 2027 when he takes over as Crusaders head coach.
It will be his first senior head coaching role, making his progress in Christchurch particularly interesting to follow.
A successful spell with the Crusaders could strengthen his credentials, especially given the experience he has already accumulated as an assistant at the highest level.
Scotland - Franco Smith
Franco Smith has developed into one of the most prominent coaches in European rugby since taking charge of Glasgow Warriors.
After arriving in 2022, Smith helped transform Glasgow's playing style and guided the club to the 2024 URC title, further enhancing his reputation as a coach capable of building successful teams.
He also brings significant international experience, having previously served as Italy's head coach before moving into a high-performance role with the federation.
Although Smith has committed his future to Glasgow, his name is likely to remain part of discussions surrounding Scotland's long-term coaching future, particularly if Gregor Townsend departs when his current contract expires in 2027.
South Africa - Duane Vermeulen
Duane Vermeulen could become an intriguing option whenever South Africa eventually look for a successor to Rassie Erasmus.
The former Springbok number eight enjoyed an exceptional playing career and was a central figure in South Africa's Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.
Known for his physicality, leadership and ability to perform in the biggest matches, Vermeulen earned enormous respect within the game.
He has since moved into coaching, allowing him to combine his experience as a player with a growing understanding of the demands of elite coaching.
His knowledge of the Springbok environment and strong relationships within South African rugby could make him a candidate capable of providing continuity, while also bringing his own ideas to the role.
Argentina - Gonzalo Quesada
Gonzalo Quesada has built an impressive coaching CV and could eventually be viewed as a natural option to lead Argentina.
The former fly-half has worked across Europe and Super Rugby, enjoying notable success with both Stade Français and the Jaguares. He led Stade Français to the Top 14 title and later guided the Jaguares to the Super Rugby final.
Since taking charge of Italy, Quesada has helped bring greater belief and structure to the side, with several significant results helping to raise expectations around the team.
His coaching style combines the flair traditionally associated with Latin rugby with a strong emphasis on organisation and tactical discipline, qualities that could make him well suited to Argentina's evolving game.
Australia - Stephen Larkham
Les Kiss is only at the beginning of his time as Wallabies head coach, but Stephen Larkham could be among the names considered whenever Rugby Australia next looks for a successor.
Larkham remains a major figure in Australian rugby and is currently continuing his coaching career with the ACT Brumbies. His appointment to lead Australia A in 2026 has also kept him closely involved with the wider national setup.
As a player, Larkham won 102 caps for Australia and established himself as one of the defining fly-halves of his generation. He played at three Rugby World Cups and was a key figure in the Wallabies' 1999 triumph.
His extra-time drop goal against South Africa in the 1999 World Cup semi-final remains one of the most memorable moments in Australian rugby history.
Larkham has also previously worked with the Wallabies as attack coach, giving him valuable international coaching experience to complement his successful career with the Brumbies.
Italy - Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones would represent an experienced and potentially high-profile option whenever Italy next enter the market for a new head coach.
Jones has coached at the highest level of the international game for decades and has a track record of taking teams to major tournaments and challenging established rugby powers. His spell with England included leading the side to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
Known for his tactical approach and ability to adapt his methods to different groups of players, Jones has built a reputation for demanding high standards and creating competitive teams.
With Gonzalo Quesada currently leading Italy, there is no immediate vacancy, but Jones' experience and profile mean he would be an interesting name if the role were to become available in the future.
Ireland - Ronan O'Gara
Ronan O'Gara has established himself as one of the most highly regarded Irish coaches in the game and would be an obvious name in any discussion about a future successor to Andy Farrell.
Following an outstanding playing career, O'Gara developed his coaching experience with Racing 92 and the Crusaders before taking charge of La Rochelle.
His time in France brought remarkable success, with La Rochelle winning consecutive Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023.
O'Gara's experience of Irish rugby, combined with his success abroad, gives him a broad understanding of both player development and the demands of elite coaching.
With deep connections to the Irish game and a proven record of winning major trophies, he is likely to remain a prominent figure whenever Ireland's next head coach is discussed.
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