Gregor Townsend

Gregor Townsend has spent the better part of a decade at the helm of Scottish rugby, serving as head coach of the Scotland national team since 2017. His appointment marked a return to the international setup, having previously worked as an assistant coach with Scotland from 2009 to 2012.

Before coaching, Townsend built his career as a professional rugby union player, representing Scotland at the highest level of the sport. That playing background has shaped his approach to leadership, giving him first-hand experience of the demands placed on international athletes and the standards required to compete at Test level.

As a Scottish coach and former player, Townsend occupies a rare position: leading his country’s national team after having worn the jersey himself. His tenure since 2017 has made him one of the longest-serving figures in Scotland’s professional rugby setup, guiding the squad through successive international campaigns and cementing his reputation within the sport.

Now established among the most prominent coaching voices in rugby union, Townsend combines his on-field experience with years of coaching across club and international rugby.