Gregor Townsend to lead Scotland into 2023 World Cup as he extends contract by two years

[ASFN Admin]

Gregor Townsend will become Scotland’s longest-serving head coach of the professional era after extending his contract for a further two years. The extension will see Townsend lead his country into a second World Cup, the 2023 tournament in France, after initially taking on the role in 2017. Since then, the former British and Irish Lions fly-half has overseen a 55 per cent win rate as Scotland head coach during a period in which his side climbed to their highest place in the world rankings, of fifth in the 2017-18 season. Only Telegraph Sport columnist Sir Ian McGeechan, in his first spell as coach from 1988 to 1993, has a better win percentage with Scotland than Townsend. Under the 47-year-old, Scotland retained the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 1983, after victory over England in 2018 at Murrayfield was backed up by their remarkable comeback in a 38-38 draw at Twickenham the following year. Speaking on the new deal, Townsend said: “I am honoured and privileged to have been given the opportunity to continue in my role as Scotland head coach. I will be doing all I can, alongside an outstanding support staff, to improve the team as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. “I know how much our supporters want the team to do well and the backing for the team has been fantastic, especially during the difficulties of the past year with Covid, knowing how much of a lift the country gets when the national team is successful. “We have a very talented and hard-working group of players, with growing depth in a number of positions. We will be putting all our efforts into unlocking that potential and helping our players deliver their best performances when they come together for our future campaigns.” Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson, added: “I’ve been impressed with how Gregor has refocused his approach over the last 12 months following the disappointing results at the RWC 2019 and believe he is the right man to continue an anticipated upward trajectory of this group of players and coaches.”

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