Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has signed a two-year contract extension to take him up until the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Townsend took up the role in 2017 and becomes Scotland’s longest-serving Head Coach of the professional era with his new deal.
The former Glasgow head coach has won 22 of his 40 matches in charge and led the Scots to fives wins in a row in 2020.
Scotland failed to get out of group that included Ireland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup but they did retain the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 1983 after a win over England in 2018 was followed by a thrilling 38-38 draw at Twickenham in the 2019 Six Nations.
Speaking on the new deal, Gregor 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."
Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend will lead his country into the Rugby World Cup 2023 after signing a new contract for a further two years.
Full story 👇— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) December 10, 2020
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.
"International rugby has never been such a competitive arena and Scottish Rugby is determined to keep pace with other nations and having a talented and respected coach like Gregor on board is an important factor in helping us achieve that."
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