Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend signs new deal

The former international with 82 caps will lead his country into the 2023 World Cup.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend signs new dealSNS Group

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has signed a two-year extension, which will see him lead the team into the 2023 World Cup.

The former international, who has 82 caps for his country, first took on the role in 2017 and has won 22 of 40 Tests.

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.

“Over the past year I believe we have made progress on and off the field which give real grounds for optimism around what this team can achieve.

“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.”

Under Townsend in 2019, Scotland retained the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 1983 after victory over England in 2018 at Murrayfield and a thrilling 38-38 draw at Twickenham the following year.

Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson added: “I am really pleased we can continue to have Gregor lead the Scotland team over the next couple of years and into Rugby World Cup 2023.

“I’ve been impressed with how Gregor has refocussed his approach over the last 12 months following the disappointing results at the RWC 2019 and believe he the right man to continue an anticipated upward trajectory of this group of players and coaches.”

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