SA’s Warriors boss Franco Smith named URC coach of season

Former Springbok assistant coach and current boss of Glasgow Warriors, Franco Smith, has been named United Rugby Championship coach of the season.

The 50-year-old enjoyed a stunning debut campaign, leading Glasgow to the Scottish-Italian Shield as well as a top four finish in the URC.

The Warriors also played in the European Challenge Cup final, losing to Toulon in the last game in Dublin last Friday.

Smith, who earlier in his career guided the Cheetahs to Currie Cup glory in South Africa, also ensured the Warriors went unbeaten at their Scotstoun home in the regular URC season.

‘Just the start’

“This is season one for this group,” said Smith, a former Springbok player.

“This is not the end for us,” he added after the Challenge Cup final defeat. “This is just the start. It’s a stepping stone.”

Smith also coached the Italian national team in 2020 and 2021 and Benetton between 2007 and 2013.

The coach-of-the-season-award was voted for by the URC’s 16 head coaches.

The awards that have already been handed out are:

Top Try Scorer: Tom Stewart (Ulster)

Tackle Machine: John Hodnett (Munster)

Turnover King: Thomas Young (Cardiff)

Elite XV: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors), Daniel du Plessis (Stormers), Simone Gesi (Zebre Parma), Ross Byrne (Leinster), Grant Williams (Sharks), Gavin Coombes (Munster), Scott Penny (Leinster), Vaea Fifita (Scarlets), Federico Ruzza (Benetton), Niall Murray (Connacht), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers).

Player of the Season: Tom Stewart (Ulster)

Fans’ Player of the Season: Manie Libbok (Stormers)

Try of the season: Joaquin Riera (Benetton v Sharks, Round 17)

Golden Boot: Johan Goosen (Bulls)

Ironman: Quan Horn (Lions)

Coach of the Season: Franco Smith (Glasgow Warriors)