Scots appoint Townsend as coach

Aug 17, 2016 - 3:10 PM Gregor Townsend will replace Vern Cotter as Scotland coach when the New Zealander's contract expires in 2017.

The former British and Irish Lions playmaker will remain as Glasgow Warriors coach for the 2016/17 season before taking over from Cotter who's been in the role since 2014.

The Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Mark Dodson said: "Gregor's abilities as a head coach are evident and he is increasingly becoming one of the most sought-after coaches in the game."

Townsend has impressed since taking charge of Glasgow in 2012, after a three-year stint as an assistant coach with the national team.

The 43-year-old has led Warriors to the Guinness Pro12 play-offs in each of his four seasons in charge and guided them to their first title in 2015, winning the play-offs after topping the table.

The 82-times capped international said: "I am incredibly proud to take on the Scotland head coach role at the end of the season.

"It is a real honour to be given the responsibility of coaching the national team and I look forward to working with such an impressive group of players.

"I'd like to thank Scottish Rugby for this opportunity and also the supporters, players and staff at Glasgow Warriors for their support over the past four years. My focus is firmly on the season ahead with Glasgow and I will be doing all I can to help the club continue to progress this year."

Source: AAP