LAST UPDATE | 9 May 2023
SCOTLAND HEAD COACH Gregor Townsend is excited about having the chance to “drive the team forward” in the coming years after signing a contract extension until April 2026.
The 50-year-old’s previous deal was due to expire after the World Cup in France this autumn, and there had been intense speculation prior to this year’s Six Nations that he would be leaving his post as – at that point – there had been no talks with the Scottish Rugby Union about an extension.
However, a strong tournament in which the Scots finished third appears to have persuaded Townsend’s paymasters that he deserves the chance to continue leading the team for the next three years.
Townsend has also today ensured former Scotland captains Stuart Hogg and Stuart McInally remain on course for World Cup swansongs after the pair were named in the 41-man pre-tournament training squad.
The Scotland coach spoke of the honour at extending his time in the role of head coach.
“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..
“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.
Scottish Rugby is delighted to announce that Head Coach Gregor Townsend will continue to lead the side through to April 2026.
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) May 9, 2023
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/FCnByXIKYr pic.twitter.com/Lj3iB5Mdnc
“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 is keen to maintain “continuity” and “momentum” with Townsend at the helm.
“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.”
On the squad news front, the experienced duo of Hogg and McInally announced recently that they will retire from rugby to pursue other interests after this year’s showpiece in France.
While Exeter full-back Hogg was always expected to be included in the squad, there was some doubt about whether Edinburgh hooker McInally would be included.
In a squad of few major surprises, Glasgow back Stafford McDowall and Leicester lock Cam Henderson are the only uncapped players included, although both were involved in the Six Nations squad earlier this year.
Edinburgh wing Darcy Graham and Glasgow flanker Rory Darge are both back in the mix after missing the Six Nations through injury.
Exeter second row Jonny Gray has not been included after suffering a knee injury recently, while Fraser Brown, Johnny Matthews and Mark Bennett are among the most notable absentees.
