Glasgow Warriors have appointed Franco Smith as the club’s new Head Coach on an initial two-year contract.
Smith, a former Springbok, made a try scoring debut against Scotland at Murrayfield and won nine caps for his country between 1996 and 1999, and brings with him a wealth of knowledge both as a professional player and coach, with experience working with backs, forwards, and on set piece.
During his playing career he played for Free State Cheetahs, Griquas, Blue Bulls, and The Pumas in South Africa, as well as Newport, Bologna, and Benetton Treviso in Europe.
Smith began coaching soon after retiring, first as backs coach for Free State Cheetahs, before returning to Italy in 2007 as Head Coach of Benetton. In Treviso, he won two National Championship of Excellence titles, prior to the club joining the PRO12.
He returned to Cheetahs in 2014 and led them to two Currie Cup titles in 2016 and 2019, and also spent time as an assistant coach with South Africa during 2017 and 2018.
As Italy men’s national Head Coach, he was responsible for capping a wealth of talent, including the current men’s national team captain Michele Lamaro, and the talented playmaker Paolo Garbisi.
Others that won their first international caps under Smith include Juan Ignacio Brex (centre), Monty Ioane (wing), and Niccolo Cannone (lock) all of whom were involved in Italy’s recent 22-12 victory over Wales in the 2022 GUINNESS Six Nations.
Content & Images from – Glasgow Warriors Rugby
