Frustrated Franco urged to stay

Head coach Franco Smith’s future at Glasgow Warriors is becoming more uncertain, with reports of his growing discontent and options elsewhere.

In his three years in charge, the Warriors have undergone a resurgence and won the Vodacom URC last year, and players and senior administrators within Scottish rugby want Smith to stay beyond the one year he has left on his contract.

But the former Springbok flyhalf and assistant coach raised eyebrows with his comments after Glasgow’s 52-0 Investec Champions Cup loss to Leinster in April, when he said he needed time to reflect on his future.

According to The Scotsman, Smith has become disillusioned with his lot at the Scottish club, and has been linked with a move to the English Premiership.

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He has also expressed annoyance at the departure of senior overseas players Henco Venter, Sebastian Cancelliere and JP du Preez due to Scotland Rugby’s revised selection protocols. Tom Jordan and Jack Mann are also moving on, to Bristol and Gloucester.

Glasgow fullback Ollie Smith believes much of the 52-year-old tactician’s good work will be undone if he decides to leave.

“It’s hard to replace these guys, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and I think Franco is the same,” Smith told The Scotsman. “He’s given a chance to some people and next season is another opportunity to do that.

“Obviously we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but we love having him at Glasgow. He pushes us and he gets the best out of us and he has done for the last three years, so the longer he stays, the better for us.”