TRANSFER TALK: One of the top coaches, South African Franco Smith has addressed the rumours linking him to the vacated Wales’ head coach position.

Last week, Warren Gatland stepped down as Wales’ head coach by mutual agreement after a record run of 14 straight Test defeats.

Gatland was replaced with Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt on an interim basis for Wales’ final three matches of the Six Nations.

The New Zealander’s last matches in charge saw the Dragons suffer a 0-43 defeat to France and a 15-22 loss to Italy in Rome.

The team is currently at the bottom of the Six Nation table and is desperate for structure and a solid coach.

According to the WalesOnline, Smith and Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby have already been tipped to take over the Wales role on a permanent basis.

Smith has become one the most sought-after coaches after he led Glasgow Warriors to a United Rugby Champions title (2024).

Warriors are second on the URC log behind Leinster.

Smith is no stranger to the international scene; he coached Italy from 2019 to 2021 and served as their head of high performance in 2021 and 2022.

He was also part of the Springboks management team as the attack coach in 2017 and 2018.

When asked about taking over as head coach of Wales, Smith did not rule out the possibility.

“This is a difficult one to answer,” Smith told the Scotsman.

“Obviously, my focus is here with the [Glasgow Warriors] squad for now. I’ve got no real comment to make.

“It’s a compliment to be mentioned in all these conversations and I’m appreciative of that.

“For now, I’m just focusing on what’s going to happen next year.”

Smith added: “My contract is until the end of 2026, so although there are conversations, and I’m really privileged and honoured to be a part of it, for now, I’m not going to be distracted from what needs to be done next year.”

Smith has also been linked as a possible replacement for Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, whose contract with the national team ends in 2026.

Sources: WalesOnline & Scotsman