'Scottish rugby needs Smith to stay at Glasgow'

BBC News

a day ago

Former Glasgow Warriors captain Fraser Brown says it is crucial Franco Smith remains at Scotstoun, not only for the club but Scottish rugby as a whole.Smith's contract as Glasgow head coach runs until the summer of 2026, but he has been linked with a move, most notably with the vacant Wales job.When asked by BBC Scotland in the wake of Saturday's URC semi-final defeat to Leinster if he would still be at Warriors next season, Smith offered no guarantees and said he would "go and reflect a little bit"."Franco's done such a fantastic job since he came in just three years ago," former Scotland hooker Brown told BBC Scotland."Obviously winning the league last year, but reaching a European (Challenge Cup) final as well the year before in his first year."He's done an amazing job, so I think it'll be important for the club to keep him around, but also for Scottish rugby."I think it's important to have some sort of stability with Sean Everett, I think his contract runs to the end of next season with Edinburgh. Franco's contract runs to the end of next season with Glasgow. "Gregor Townsend's contract runs to the end of 2026 with Scotland. So there are a lot of moving parts in the next 18 months within Scottish rugby."I think having Franco there next year, having some sort of stability, allowing them to plan long term, is really important for the union."