Gregor Townsend extends Scotland contract beyond Rugby World Cup 2019 to 2021 along with coaching team
Former Glasgow Warriors head coach is rewarded for Scotland’s impressive form since his arrival but he admits ’there’s certainly a lot of improvement to be found’
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Gregor Townsend has extended his contract to remain as Scotland head coach through to the end of the 2020/21 season.
The former Glasgow Warriors boss will remain with the Scottish Rugby Union beyond the World Cup next year, and he follows in the footsteps of England counterpart Eddie Jones in extending his current deal by an additional two years.
As well as Townsend, contract extensions have been agreed with assistant coaches Matt Taylor and Mike Blair, while the imminent arrival of former Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson sees the long-term future of Scotland’s coaching set-up secured.
“I have always been incredibly proud to coach Scotland and I’m delighted and grateful to be able to extend my involvement with the national team,” Townsend said.
“It’s a privilege to coach such a hardworking group of quality players, which is continuing to grow in depth.
“We are really looking forward to Danny (Wilson) joining up with us, which will enable us to seek further improvements in how we can bring the best out of our players.”
Townsend’s time in charge of the national team has already seen a marked increase in the attacking rugby that the side utilise, having averaged four tries per Test since he took up the reins last summer and recorded memorable victories over Australia and England last season.
Scotland must now look to build on that momentum generated last season ahead of the November games against Wales, Fiji, South Africa and Argentina, next year’s Six Nations and Japan 2019 where they will look to go further than the narrow quarter-final exit three years ago.
“There’s certainly a lot of improvement to be found – both from us as coaches and also our playing performances – but we’ve also seen some excellent displays over the past season, as well as a genuine desire from the players to give their best for their country.
“I’ve been really pleased with the way the squad has come together whenever we’ve been in camp. The players have built strong relationships with each other, trained with intensity and learned quickly after any setbacks we have faced. They have also been terrific ambassadors for their country on tours or whenever they have interacted with our supporters.
“We’re well aware we’re entering a crucial and exciting time for this group, as we continue to seek improvements across the board and target a strong Autumn Test series and Six Nations, before our build up to the Rugby World Cup begins in earnest.”
In signing a three-year extension, Taylor will become Scotland’s longest-serving coach since the pairing of Jim Telfer and Sir Ian McGeechan, with his stint set to be taken to almost a decade with the national team.
“It’s a role and a job that I’m really passionate about,” Taylor said. “Scottish Rugby has been really good to me and my family over the years and you want to back up and perform for an organisation of people who have looked after you.”
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