As the international rugby landscape enters a new cycle, attention is already shifting to the coaches who could shape the sport’s next chapter.
With several leading nations facing key decisions in the coming years, the race to secure the game’s brightest tactical minds and most respected figures is set to intensify.
Perhaps no succession plan is under greater scrutiny than in South Africa, where a two-time Rugby World Cup winner is among the names tipped to eventually take over from Rassie Erasmus.
RUCK picks the leading candidates to become the next head coach of every major rugby nation.
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England – Shaun Edwards
One of the best coaches in the world is English, and the RFU should be targeting him as a replacement for Steve Borthwick.
Shaun Edwards’ reputation as a tactician and motivator is unparalleled, and his defensive acumen could immediately strengthen England’s set-up.
Edwards’ playing career in rugby league was legendary. He won eight championships and nine Challenge Cups with Wigan Warriors and played in a record eleven finals.
Transitioning to rugby union, Edwards coached London Wasps from 2005 to 2011, winning multiple Premiership titles and European trophies. He later became Wales’ defence coach, contributing to three Grand Slams and four Six Nations victories.
More recently, he guided France to three Six Nations titles as defence coach. His track record of adapting to new challenges, coupled with his tactical genius, positions him as a prime candidate to lead England forward.
