'It's fantastic': Franco Smith responds to Bok coaching job links

SPOTLIGHT: Glasgow head coach Franco Smith said it was a 'compliment' to be linked to the Springboks' head coach role.

Current Bok coach Jacques Nienaber will say goodbye to the Boks after this year's World Cup. He will join Irish giants Leinster.

Several names have been mentioned when it comes to potential successors and Smith is one of them.

"For me, it is a compliment to be mentioned," said Smith, who was a Bok assistant coach a few years ago.

"I had a good experience with South Africa a few years ago but now my focus is what is happening here [in Glasgow].

"It is a longer process but fantastic to be mentioned but for now I don’t want any distractions from what we need to do here."

The story continues below...

Glasgow have already secured a top-four finish ahead of their final-round URC game against Connacht.

Smith has made a number of changes for that match with an eye on next weekend's Challenge Cup semifinal against the Scarlets in Wales.

"We need everyone to be match fit, everyone to be injury free, everyone to be enthusiastic, even in training during the week," said the coach.

"I’ve done a lot of finals in my life, and I’ve used that experience to have enough depth in important moments.

"I owe that to the players and to the club to bring that experience.

"It’s knockout rugby from next week onwards."

Source: The Scotsman