GALA rugby internationalist Gregor Townsend will leave his position as attack coach for Scotland at the end of the 6 Nations campaign, and will take over as head coach at Glasgow Warriors, replacing current boss Sean Lineen, who has been appointed to the role of head of player acquisition within the governing body.
Townsend will step down from his duties with the national team after Saturday’s game against Italy, to allow him to prepare fully for taking the reins at Scotstoun in pre-season.
Speaking about his new role, Townsend said: “I’m honoured and genuinely thrilled to have been given this opportunity. Glasgow Warriors are a team and club on the rise, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to bringing my own influence and insights to that structure.
“I’m lucky enough to be coming into a well-drilled and ambitious set-up, testament to the values that Sean has instilled. I’d like to wish him and the rest of the players and staff all the best with their attempts to achieve further success this season.
“When the time comes for me to step in, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure the club continues to progress, and to give the Warriors’ supporters a team in which their obvious pride and passion can grow.”
Forwards coach Shade Munro will be part of Townsend’s backroom team, along with defence coach Matt Taylor, the former Aberdeen Grammar, Edinburgh and Border Reivers flanker, who will also work with the Scotland side.