British & Irish Lions great Gregor Townsend has extended his contract as Scotland men’s head coach until April 2026.
Townsend, who starred in the No.10 jersey on the victorious 1997 Lions Tour to South Africa, has been in charge of Scotland since 2017 and will take his stint at the helm to almost a decade with the new deal.
The 50-year-old, who was also assistant coach during the 2021 Lions Tour to South Africa, led Scotland to a third-place finish in this year’s Guinness Six Nations, their best result since 2018, and world ranking high of fifth ahead of this autumn’s Rugby World Cup.
“I’m excited about the potential of the current squad of players and the game they can deliver against the best teams in the world,” said Townsend.
“As coaches, we have been very encouraged by the progress the team has made this season, and we believe there is much more to come from this group.
“I also feel the connection the team has with the country is special and that our supporters are backing the team like never before.
“The number of people who arrive two hours early to welcome the team off the bus on a home matchday demonstrates the love shown for this group of players and their belief that the squad can achieve something special.
“Our focus right now remains on Rugby World Cup preparations, but I am delighted to have secured my future for the next few years and look forward to continuing to do all I can to drive the team forward and inspire our supporters.”
🗣 “To know that you’re doing something that you love doing. To do it with people that you love working with [is] hugely exciting.”
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— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) May 9, 2023
Townsend is already Scotland’s longest-serving coach in the professional era, with further history made when he led his side to a first win over England at Twickenham since 1983 in 2021, before going on to retain the Calcutta Cup for the next two years.
The former Northampton Saints and Border Reivers back earned 82 caps for his country between 1993 and 2003, with his performances earning him a pair of Lions Test caps under Sir Ian McGeechan.
Townsend started both victorious fixtures in a 2-1 series victory for the Lions, operating at fly-half in the dramatic 25-16 opening win at Newlands Stadium before again playing the full 80 minutes in a close-fought 18-15 victory in Durban.
The Galashiels native then returned to the Lions fold nearly a quarter of a century later, joining Warren Gatland’s staff as attack coach for the 2021 Tour to South Africa.
