Gregor Townsend's Scotland future made clear as CEO gives verdict what's not changed surrounding head coach
The Scottish Rugby CEO has provided a verdict on the future of the under-fire Scotland boss.
As the pressure builds on Gregor Townsend after a disappointing Quilter Nations Series campaign, Scottish Rugby CEO, Alex Williamson has given him a vote of confidence.
Despite whitewash Murrayfield victories over USA and Tonga, the Autumn Internationals also had the team failing to defeat an ill-disciplined All Blacks side and blowing a 21-0 lead against Argentina, which prompted boos from the crowd.
While Townsend played down the reaction after the Pumas capitulation, describing it as an ‘exhale of disappointment’ from the Murrayfield faithful, it’s no secret that Scotland fans are expecting better from many feel is the best crop of players they’ve had in decades. However, as the pressure continues to build, Townsend looks as if he’ll be staying put for the time being.
Townsend to see out new contract - Williamson
The 52-year old has been the Head Coach for eight years and signed a new contract in September keeping him there until the 2027 World Cup at least. Despite the disappointing Autumn Series, Williamson stated that Townsend’s situation remains unchanged. Speaking at Scottish Rugby’s annual meeting, the CEO said: “We entered into the contract with Gregor with the full expectation he is going to take us through to the World Cup - that hasn't changed.”
Despite the vote of confidence, Williamson also claimed he was ‘disappointed’ by the outcome of the Autumn Internationals. He continued: “The optimism going into the autumn says a lot about the development of the team and I think it would be folly for me to suggest that we weren't all enormously disappointed not to come out of the games, particularly against New Zealand and Argentina, with at least one win.
"I personally, for what it's worth, was really disappointed with the outcome of the New Zealand game, because I actually thought that we could have won that by 20 points. The game against Argentina, to be 21-0 up against a team that are probably in the top four often, particularly when they have all their players together, and to not get over the line, was unbelievably deflating and there's no doubt about that."
‘Progress’ made despite poor results
Williamson went on to speak of the progress made by not just Townsend, but his backroom staff. The CEO remains ‘confident’ that the side’s promising performances can turn into results against tier 1 nations. He said: "I think we have an outstanding coaching group.
"I think we saw some real progress in a number of areas and I think there was lots to like, but that doesn't diminish the fact that there was also some things that really didn't go well in the heat of the moment. I think we should continue to be very confident that we've got a structure, a coaching group and an ideology about how we want to play rugby in Scotland that we should be confident about - and that's where we are. I don't foresee change there."
Next up for Townsend and co is the Six Nations in February. First up is Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.