Scotland have confirmed that Gregor Townsend will stay in his position as head coach till the top of the 2027 World Cup after his new deal had been broadly reported.
Townsend is already Scotland’s longest-serving coach of the skilled period, however the brand new deal will see him spend a decade on the helm, having taken over from Vern Cotter in 2017.
The previous British & Irish Lion’s contract with Scotland was resulting from expire after the 2026 Six Nations, the place he’ll attain his one centesimal sport in cost, and he had been linked with the director of rugby position with the bold Newcastle Pink Bulls.
As a substitute, he’ll stay with the nationwide staff in what’s a double-coup for Scottish rugby, with Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith additionally committing to the membership till 2028.
“Being the Scotland head coach is a large honour for me personally, a real privilege,” Townsend said. “The chance to educate my nation at one other Rugby World Cup is thrilling and I’m vastly motivated to assist the staff carry out to its potential.
“Over recent years I have been really encouraged by the progress the team has made and the depth we have built in a number of positions. The experiences from our Summer Tour and also the Lions Tour will add an additional layer to our group. Having 12 gamers out on the Lions tour was large for Scottish rugby and the gamers.
“It’s going to be an thrilling construct up interval to the World Cup with the potential of a brand new competitors for our summer season and autumn fixtures in 2026 in addition to two Six Nations Championships for us to assault. And, this November we’ve a cracking run of dwelling fixtures, which can embody celebrating the centenary of our nationwide stadium once we tackle New Zealand. This event will underline the significance we place on connection to our supporters and our historical past.
“I perceive tickets have been promoting nicely and that exhibits how a lot the nation are behind the gamers. There’s a actual perception inside the squad that they will obtain particular issues and I can’t wait to work with them once more to assist make this occur.”
Scottish Rugby Efficiency Director David Nucifora added: “Gregor is among the most well-respected coaches in world rugby. The energy that this continuity of appointment brings along with the elevated high-performance assets being made accessible locations Scottish Rugby in a powerful place main into the following Rugby World Cup.
“He has constructed a powerful squad with elevated depth throughout a variety of positions that’s now coming into its prime relating to worldwide expertise.
“We’re enthusiastic about what’s to return from the lads’s nationwide staff within the coming years and Gregor is one of the best particular person to take them ahead.”
Scottish Rugby CEO Alex Williamson mentioned: “Having toured with the Scotland squad this summer season I witnessed first hand the spectacular tradition that Gregor has developed and noticed how linked and motivated the enjoying group is. That cohesion will likely be vitally necessary for the nationwide staff to achieve success sooner or later.
“We have now an thrilling group of gamers which Gregor has nurtured, and I consider he’s the appropriate man to drive us ahead, with full help of the Scottish Rugby Restricted Board.
“The robust ticket gross sales for our matches at Scottish Gasoline Murrayfield display how engaged the nation are with Gregor’s staff and the best way they play rugby. We’re excited to see the connection with the followers proceed to develop this autumn, the place the staff have the chance to attain outcomes that may propel them into subsequent yr’s Guinness Six Nations.
“I’ve talked up to now concerning the significance of continuity in our males’s teaching environments, each as a result of we consider we’ve wonderful people in our construction and since it permits us to embed our high-performance reorganisation with coaches who’re already absolutely dedicated to this critically necessary and substantial funding. I sit up for seeing Gregor and the lads’s nationwide staff being early beneficiaries of the modifications.”
