Gregor Townsend seeks another opportunity to advance beyond the World Cup group stage.
Scotland’s head coach, Gregor Townsend, has committed to a contract extension that will see him remain at the helm through the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
With the 52-year-old’s current agreement set to expire in April of the coming year, recent speculation had linked him to a potential director of rugby role with Newcastle Red Bulls.
However, Scottish Rugby is poised to announce on Wednesday morning that Townsend will be staying on.
Having taken charge of his first Test in the summer of 2017, Townsend already holds the distinction of being Scotland’s longest-serving international coach in the professional era.
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Among current coaches, he is also the longest-tenured tier-one coach globally. He has overseen 94 Tests, securing 53 victories, 40 losses, and one draw – the memorable 38-38 encounter at Twickenham in 2019.
With four autumn fixtures scheduled at Murrayfield – against the United States, New Zealand, Argentina, and Tonga – Townsend’s 100th Test as Scotland coach is set to occur during the second round of the Six Nations in February, against England in Edinburgh.
His tenure has been marked by notable achievements, including a first win in Paris in 22 years, a first victory at Twickenham in 38 years, four consecutive Calcutta Cups for the first time since 1970, and four wins in five Tests against Australia.
Scotland’s captivating style of play has resulted in a significant increase in the number of Scottish players selected for British and Irish Lions tours since Townsend’s arrival.
In the five Lions tours prior to Townsend’s appointment, Scotland’s representation in the original squad averaged between two and three players.
However, in the two Lions tours since Townsend took charge, eight Scots were initially selected for each, with additional players called up during the tour, most notably under Andy Farrell in Australia this summer.
Ben White, Darcy Graham, Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, and Gregor Brown all gained valuable game-time on tour, particularly White.
While Scotland has shown improvement under Townsend’s leadership, tangible results have been elusive, and a sentiment for change exists among some.
An eight-year tenure – now set to extend to 10 – is a significant innings, and Townsend’s critics have grown in number over time.
Those Scotland fans who have been seeking change would have been hopeful of Glasgow’s Franco Smith stepping into the role of national coach. There is a feeling among that group of supporters that the team has stagnated under Townsend in recent seasons.
Despite impressive individual victories, Scotland has never seriously contended for a Six Nations title, achieving only two third-place finishes in eight attempts, with an average finishing position of fourth.
The team has become highly entertaining on its best days – evidenced by the remarkable number of sell-out crowds at Murrayfield – but has lacked the squad depth and consistency required for sustained contention.
Townsend led Scotland to a record high of fifth in the world rankings, but following a defeat to Fiji in Suva this summer, they now stand at eighth.
He has also faced disappointment at two consecutive World Cups, exiting in the pool stage in Japan in 2019 and again in France in 2023.
Undoubtedly, the desire to rectify these setbacks is a motivating factor in Townsend’s decision to stay on. The ambition to finally reach the final stages of the Six Nations will also fuel his determination to achieve unfinished business.
The World Cup draw is scheduled for December and will feature six groups of four teams, with the top six nations in the world rankings headlining each group.
This new format presents a favorable opportunity for Townsend to progress beyond the group stage for the first time.
In France in 2023, Scotland encountered a challenging draw, being grouped with South Africa (the reigning champions) and Ireland (then ranked number one in the world), with only the top two teams qualifying.
Even with a world ranking of eight, the new 24-nation format means Scotland is unlikely to face a similar “pool of death” scenario in Australia.
They would be seeded second in their group, with the top two countries, plus the four best third-place teams across all groups, advancing to the last 16 knockout stage.
This offers a more promising landscape for Scotland and a more appealing prospect for Townsend.
With his future now secured, preparations begin for the autumn internationals, the highlight being the visit of the All Blacks on November 8.
Townsend has faced New Zealand twice as coach, suffering a five-point loss in 2017 and an eight-point defeat in 2022.
In 32 Tests, Scotland has drawn two and lost 30 against the All Blacks.
If history were to be made at Murrayfield, those who oppose his reappointment might just fade away.