Franco Smith is set to coach against his son when the Glasgow Warriors host the Sharks at Scotstoun on Friday night.
The tourists have included 22-year-old flyhalf Jean Smith in their squad, setting up the prospect of father and son facing each other in the 2025-26 Vodacom URC opener.
Jean, a former Junior Springbok, has fought his way into the Sharks setup after overcoming injuries, making his senior debut last season against Lyon in the European Challenge Cup.
Glasgow attack coach Nigel Carolan admitted it’s a scenario the Warriors staff haven’t dwelled on in their preparations.
“We try not to talk about it,” he said as quoted by The Scotsman. “Normally with these South African teams you might talk about one or two of their players, but we’ve deliberately avoided the conversation about whether he starts or is on the bench. We’ll deal with that when it comes.”
Carolan praised Smith Jnr’s progress.
“He’s a breakthrough player for them. He’s had injuries over the last couple of years but this is the first period he’s strung together back-to-back games. He looks a tidy enough player. He was part of the South African U20s. Whether he starts or is on the bench, I know he’ll try and impress Dad as well.
“I think he’s probably got a better skill set than his dad,” Carolan quipped.
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Franco Smith himself has been in the headlines after extending his contract with Glasgow despite interest from Wales, Leicester, the Vodacom Bulls and even England.
Carolan said the Warriors were relieved to see their head coach commit his future to the club.
“Franco’s his own man. It’s great that he wants to keep building the programme here. All the attention he attracted was thoroughly deserved, but he’s content that he’s in the right place.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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