Ranked: The current job security of every Six Nations head coach
We examine the head coach job security as the Six Nations approaches the championship’s penultimate weekend. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book Scotland Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
There is still a lot to play for in the last round because four teams are mathematically in the running for the championship. However, are any of the coaches in danger of losing their jobs? Generally speaking, the response would be no because this is the first year of a Rugby World Cup cycle.
But 2022 demonstrated that rugby had changed and that coaches could be fired at any time. As evidenced by the departures of Wayne Pivac and Eddie Jones with less than a year to go before the World Cup. Thus, the year that follows the worldwide event may see the same things.
With a fresh start and a new head coach, only Italy qualified for the Six Nations; the other teams carried some legacy issues that might have caused them to falter. From best to worst, we assess the job security of coaches.
Andy Farrell: Ireland
While there will be some who are upset that Ireland did not become the first team to accomplish back-to-back Grand Slams since Italy entered the competition, Andy Farrell is certain of his spot as Ireland goes into the Championship’s final round with one hand on the championship.
The Englishman is expected to take on the role of head coach for the British and Irish Lions next year because he simply has far too much credit with the IRFU. While Ireland has been virtually invincible for the majority of his time in command, the disappointment of losing in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup definitely plays a part.
Ireland’s most successful permanent head coach, with an 81% success rate, remains to be true. His dismissal would be a shocking development considering he is regarded as a team player and assistant coach’s favorite.
Ireland Vs Scotland
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Gonzalo Quesada: Italy
At the beginning of the Championship, as was already established, Quesada was the only new coach among the six clubs. His job security has been enhanced by his team’s performances, though. Except for their humiliation at the hands of Ireland, Italy has had three previous matches when they have had the opportunity to win, but they have only done so once, losing and drawing the others.
They started the Six Nations with an amazing triumph over Scotland, their first in Rome in almost ten years, gave England a fright in round one, lost to Ireland, and came within a whisker of defeating France for the first time in the nation. While they square up against Wales in a straight shootout to avoid finishing last, Quesada’s team has the chance to escape a ninth straight Wooden Spoon result going into the final round of the Six Nations.
Quesada’s inaugural Six Nations will impress the bigwigs, even if they lose on Saturday. It’s not only about the results; it’s also about the play progress overall. Quesada, who impressed during his two periods in command of Stade Francais and guided the Jaguares to the 2019 Super Rugby final, is undoubtedly a top coach that Italy hired, even though Kieran Crowley deserves a lot of credit for the team’s recent performances as well.
Steve Borthwick: England
Following the Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland, there were rash demands for Steve Borthwick’s head. However, as the Six Nations’ final weekend approaches, he appears to be comfortable in his role. Borthwick guided the team to a third-place finish at the 2023 Rugby World Cup; before the loss to Scotland, the team had defeated Wales and Italy.
The RFU most definitely wouldn’t have made those calls. His job security will undoubtedly increase as a result of the victory over Ireland, but to be honest, the only thing that worries me is the crazy idea that he might be fired right now. This was essentially his first Six Nations to prepare for well in advance and potentially put his team to the test.
Against Ireland, the players and coaches truly demonstrated their abilities, not just by putting up a strong physical and mental performance but also by demonstrating tactical and technical acumen. Borthwick’s job security won’t change significantly whether they win or lose against France on Saturday, but it might after they take a beating in New Zealand.
Warren Gatland: Wales
Warren Gatland presents a novel halfway point, pointing out that Wales may very well conclude the Six Nations atop the standings, which would be their lowest standing in twenty-one years. But it would not be shocking to see Gatland stay in charge even if Wales were to fall to Italy. Following defeats by Italy and Georgia in 2022, he was reappointed as head coach to turn things around.
He guided the team to the World Cup quarterfinals, where they were barely defeated by Argentina. Several Wales players, notably Leigh Halfpenny, Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar, and a few more who also emigrated overseas, retired both before and after the World Cup. Gatland faces numerous challenges, including the fact that he is leading the future generation, some of whom may be receiving opportunities too soon.
However, the biggest obstacle is the chaos the Welsh Rugby Union has brought about. The WRU will undoubtedly support Gatland in his efforts to develop the team moving forward and isn’t counting on miracles from him and his group. Although it is doubtful, they could go astray and fire the seasoned head coach. He has gained a great deal of recognition for his prior achievements.
Gregor Townsend: Scotland
Although Gregor Townsend may not be as high as many had anticipated. The former fly-half must be feeling more and more pressure. Even though he has led Scotland to great success, they have turned into serial almost men. Despite being dealt a rough hand in the 2023 World Cup. Scotland barely made an effort against South Africa and Ireland during a difficult group stage.
Throughout this season, they have also made numerous threats to win the Six Nations. Although many will blame the TMO call for their loss to France, they had plenty of chances to win the match. Is it time to make a change now that Townsend has carried the Scotland squad as far as he can?
In addition, he has accumulated a great deal of credit with the Scottish Rugby Union. But, has that diminished significantly in recent times? His deal was originally scheduled to expire after the 2023 World Cup. But he chose to extend it to April 2026—a date that is highly specific for a prospective successor and he went on to receive two Test windows and one Six Nations tournament before the 2027 World Cup. Will they wait to act or will they act quickly?
Fabien Galthie: France
Fabien Galthie, the manager of France. He is undoubtedly the coach with the least amount of job security given the increasing stress. They were crushed 38–17 by Ireland in their homeland last year. He was unable to deliver a World Cup trophy on home soil. He also had a lackluster start to the Six Nations.
With some luck, they managed to draw with Italy at home after limping to a victory against Scotland. Though, with all due respect to France, you never really know. The French Rugby Federation has maintained Galthie’s position. There have been rumors of discord among the players and a falling out with Shaun Edwards, the defense coach.
They managed to secure a solid 45–24 victory over Wales thanks to a strong last quarter. It will have reduced the pressure, but not completely. Galthie, like Eddie Jones, is renowned for having high standards for both his assistant coaches and players. Something will likely change if he doesn’t leave first.
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