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Gregor Townsend is to replace Vern Cotter as Scotland head coach in June 2017
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Glasgow Warriors head coach Townsend previously worked with Scotland as part of Andy Robinson’s backroom staff
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The former Scotland fly-half led Warriors to the Pro12 title in 2015.
Scottish Rugby have confirmed Glasgow Warriors boss Gregor Townsend will replace Vern Cotter as Scotland head coach at the end of the 2016/17 season.
Cotter’s contract ends in June 2017 and Scottish Rugby have announced its intention to install former Scotland fly-half Townsend into the role when his current contract with Glasgow Warriors also ends at the same time.
Townsend has been head coach at the Warriors since 2012, leading them to the play-offs in every season, culminating with his team becoming the first Scottish professional side to win the league title in 2015.
“I am incredibly proud to take on the Scotland head coach role at the end of the season,” said Townsend. “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.”
Cotter, who has now coached in Europe for a decade after an eight-year spell in France with Clermont Auvergne prior to taking the Scotland job, said he was “really pleased with the progress” made over the past two years.
“Since taking up this role I believe we have moved forward as a group by working to execute the simple things well,” he said. “Developing skill-sets and mind-sets has been important to help perform on the international stage.
“The focus has been to respect tradition but also perform in the present, be adaptive and innovative. I have been really pleased with the progress that has been made in all areas.
“The players, and my management group, have enjoyed working hard to give the fans and Scottish Rugby results and performances to be proud of.
“I intend to remain focused on the upcoming autumn internationals and remaining Scotland matches in 2017.”
