Gregor Townsend signs contract extension with Scotland until 2021

Scottish Rugby Union has confirmed that head coach of the national team Gregor Townsend has extended his contract until 2021.

Townsend, worked as an assistant coach of Scotland between 2009 and 2012 before taking in charge of Glasgow Warriors led the club to a Pro12 title win in 2014/15 season when they defeated Munster in the final.

The 45-year-old replaced Vern Cotter as head coach of Scotland during the June series last year and under his guidance, the dark blues have won nine and lost five in the 14 Tests.

"It's a privilege to coach such a hardworking group of quality players, which is continuing to grow in depth," he said.

"I have always been incredibly proud to coach Scotland and I'm delighted and grateful to be able to extend my involvement with the national team."

Apart from Townsend, assistant coach Matt Taylor has penned a new three-year deal while skills coach Mike Blair has extended his stay until 2020. Danny Wilson joined the coaching panel in June as new forwards coach after the Scottish Rugby Union agreed on terms to release him from a contract to join Wasps.

"It's great that the immediate future of our coaching staff has also been secured, as Matt and Mike contribute massively to what we do as a group," Townsend, whose previous deal was until 2020, said.

"We are really looking forward to Danny joining up with us, which will enable us to seek further improvements in how we can bring the best out of our players."

Scotland will kick-start their autumn series with a game against Wales at Millennium Stadium on 3rd November followed by clashes against Fiji, South Africa and Argentina on 10th, 17th and 24th November respectively at BT Murrayfield Stadium.