
Franco Smith, the manager of Glasgow Warriors, has become a surprising candidate to succeed Michael Cheika should he depart Leicester Tigers at the conclusion of this season when his one-year contract expires.
Cheika, a former fashion industry millionaire and jeans mogul, has declined to extend his contract with the Welford Road company. They have been aggressively looking for a replacement, indicating that they do not anticipate him staying.
It is often believed that the 57-year-old former Wallaby and Argentina manager would go back to Australia, where his family resides, and wait for a position in the NRL, where he has previously indicated an interest in working.
However, it has now emerged that an approach is being considered for former Springbok fly-half Smith, who is under contract to the Scotstoun outfit until 2026 after doing an eye-catching job.
The former Italy manager, who succeeded Danny Wilson in 2022, has guided Glasgow to a loss to Toulon in the European Challenge Cup final and, in June, their first United Rugby Championship victory since 2015 after defeating Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

Smith, 52, who won two Currie Cup titles with the Cheetahs and is from the rural community of Lichtenburg in the North West Province, has been mentioned as a potential successor to Rassie Erasmus, the head coach of the Springboks.
Another possible alternative would be Richard Wigglesworth, who ended his long playing career with the Tigers and stepped into the head coach role when the RFU recruited Steve Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield.
Even though he followed them to Twickenham as an attack coach, he is known to have a close working relationship with Tigers general manager Richard Wilks if a move for Smith becomes too problematic.