Franco Smith’s Glasgow deal proves no friction with Scottish Rugby

Scottish Rugby’s performance director David Nucifora says that Franco Smith’s decision to extend his Glasgow contract proves there is no friction between the head coach and the governing body.

The Warriors boss appeared to show signs of frustration at the end of last season when key players departed on the back of Scottish Rugby’s push to develop young Scottish talent.

Smith cast doubt on his future with an emotional interview following the campaign-ending defeat to Leinster in June, but it was announced on Wednesday that he has signed a new deal until 2028.

“I’ve worked with head coaches a long time in lots of places and I’ve never met a head coach that doesn’t want more, doesn’t want extra,” said Nucifora when asked at a press conference if Smith had sought assurances before committing his future.

“That’s just normal and there’s nothing unusual about that. We’re building a system and Franco’s endorsement by signing his contract extension says that he’s excited about working as part of this system.

“We’re here to support the two professional teams, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The system we’re building is not about making anything harder for them.

“We’re here to actually support and make it easier and better for them. This is all about working together and I believe that Franco’s signature is an endorsement of all of that.

“We’re going to be working really closely to make sure that both Edinburgh and Glasgow do as well as they possibly can because that obviously supports the national team as well.”

Smith, who led Glasgow to the United Rugby Championship title in 2023/24, told the Warriors’ website: “There’s still so much more we can achieve, and I’m excited to keep working hard to take this club to the next level.”