Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith has dropped a hint over his future in what could be a hammer blow to Scotland. The South African has been linked with the vacant Wales role, but is also touted to succeed Gregor Townsend when his contract expires in April 2026.

Smith hastold reporters: “I want to coach internationally again. There’s work to be done, but there’s enough positives to be taken and I don’t think all is lost for Wales.

“Italy was in the same position as Wales when I took over at the back end of the 2019 World Cup. It was a big challenge for me. I’ve learned from it. The Wales job is not yet something I can talk about, but from a general point of view in my history as a coach I developed Benetton and helped them get to the Magners League as it was then.

“Wales has got so much passion for the game, so there are a lot of good ingredients in Welsh rugby to find their feet again.”