Glasgow Warriors finalise coaching team for 2025/26

Glasgow Warriors have officially announced their coaching team for the 2025/26 season, with head coach Franco Smith set to lead a support team featuring a mix of continuity and fresh talent.

Pre-season preparations are set to begin in August, and the backroom setup has now been fully confirmed.

Attack coach Nigel Carolan has renewed his commitment to the Warriors, continuing a tenure that began in 2021.

The Galway-born coach has been instrumental in shaping one of the United Rugby Championship’s most creative attacking sides.

“I’m pleased to be able to extend my contract with the club,” Carolan said. “I’m excited to continue on the journey that this club is on.”

His experience and influence are seen as vital as the Warriors seek further progression in domestic and European competitions.

The Warriors have also added two new assistant coaches to the team — Scott Forrest and Roddy Grant — both former Scotland 7s internationals with strong coaching credentials. Their appointments follow the departure of defence coach Pete Murchie.

Forrest, who has recently worked with Glasgow’s academy and led the Warriors A side, is enthusiastic about the next step in his coaching journey.

“I’m really looking forward to working with everyone — it’s an incredibly exciting coaching group,” he said. “I’m excited to take this a step further over the coming seasons.”

Grant, who has coached with Georgia and brings a wealth of international knowledge, highlighted the opportunity to work alongside Smith.

“Franco is such an impressive coach, and such an impressive person. We’ve known each other since 2006, so to be able to coach alongside each other is an exciting prospect.”

In addition to the new appointments, Al Dickinson will continue in his role as consultant scrum coach, while Shade Munro remains in charge of academy development. T

Head coach Franco Smith expressed his confidence in the group now assembled.

“We are pleased to be able to confirm our coaching group as we turn our attention towards the new season,” Smith said.

“Nigel’s experience and expertise are valuable assets to the club.”

He also paid tribute to outgoing coach Pete Murchie for his contribution over the past three seasons, wishing him success in his next role.