Mike Blair joins Scotland coaching panel

Former Scotland international Mike Blair will join incoming head coach Gregor Townsend's backroom staff ahead of the national team's summer tour.

The 36-year-old is currently the skills coach of Glasgow Warriors under Townsend after announcing retirement in April 2016 and has also worked with Ponteland as an assistant coach.

Having represented Scotland 85 times, Blair is country's most capped scrum-half and has gone to captain the national side 14 times including the Calcutta Cup victory over England in 2008 Six Nations.

Delighted by the news, Blair wants to continue evolve in his role as a coach with both Glasgow and Scotland.

"I'm delighted to take on this role with Scotland at an exciting time in the team's development," Blair told Scotland Rugby's official website.

"I'm fortunate that I am able to maintain my involvement with Glasgow Warriors, where I have been coaching a talented group of players in a hugely positive environment.

"Being a young coach, I feel very lucky to work with coaches of the calibre of Gregor (Townsend) and Dave (Rennie) and hope I can contribute to further successes for both Scotland and Glasgow on the pitch."

Meanwhile, Townsend, who takes over from Vern Cotter in June lavished praise on Blair and his work ethics.

"Mike has thrived as a coach since his retirement from playing at the end of last season.

"He's proven to be an excellent addition to the Warriors' backroom staff and I'm delighted to bring that expertise into the Scotland set-up.

"He will perform a similar role with the national team, which will be focused on three areas: assisting with our attack, improving our skills and also working closely with our group of scrum-halves."

Blair will join Matt Taylor and Dan McFarland as the assistant coaches under Townsend while retaining his current role with the Scotstoun outfit.