Gregor Townsend signs new contract extension as Scotland manager until 2026

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has signed a new contract extension that will keep him in the job for another three years.

Since taking on the role in 2017 the 50-year-old is now the longest serving manager of the national team in the professional era.

He has now signed a new deal that keep him at the helm until 2026.

After securing third place in the Guinness Six Nations this year Scotland now have their sights set on the 2023 Rugby World Cup where they are grouped with South Africa, Ireland, Tonga and Romania.

Townsend says it is a “tremendous honour” to be head coach and says he excited to keep working the current squad as he hailed their potential.

When he the news was announced on Tuesday, he said: “Being head coach of Scotland is a tremendous honour and 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.

“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.”

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive Mark Dodson says the squad has “unparalleled depth” and that he believes Townsend is right man to lead them.

He said: “Gregor Townsend has been the most successful Scotland coach in the history of the professional era and we believe he is the right man to lead the national team beyond this year’s Rugby World Cup.

“What Gregor has built over the last six years of his tenure has taken Scotland to fifth in the World rankings and we are keen to keep that continuity and forward momentum.

“The squad has unparalleled depth which is the result of many years planned development.

“We believe he is best placed to take the team to the next level and continue to excite and engage the people of Scotland.”