Nicknamed the “Toonie flip”, Gregor Townsend rose through the ranks of Gala RFC and won his first full Scotland cap in 1993 before moving to Northampton Saints in 1995. His famous nickname came from a reverse pass to Gavin Hastings that secured Scotland a dramatic 23–21 victory over France in Paris in 1995.
Playing Career
Over the course of a decorated playing career, Townsend was capped 82 times for Scotland (1993–2003) and twice for the British & Irish Lions. A skilful flyhalf, he represented:
Northampton Saints, Brive, Castres, Border Reivers, Montpellier, and Sharks
Won the 1999 Five Nations Championship with Scotland
Lifted six Centenary Quaich Cups, the Calcutta Cup, and a Shute Shield with Warringah in Australia
Claimed a National Division Two title with Northampton Saints
Was a Heineken Cup runner-up with Brive
Made six appearances for the Lions on the 1997 Tour of South Africa, starting the first two Tests in a historic series victory
Coaching Career
After retiring, Townsend moved into coaching:
2008: Assistant coach for Scotland A
2009: Backs coach for Scotland, where he helped guide landmark wins over Australia (first since 1982) and South Africa (first since 2002)
2011 Rugby World Cup: Attack coach for Scotland
2012–17: Head coach of Glasgow Warriors, reaching the PRO12 play-offs every season and winning the 2015 PRO12 title
2017–present: Head coach of Scotland, succeeding Vern Cotter
Scotland Head Coach
Townsend became Scotland head coach in June 2017 and is now the longest-serving head coach of the professional era. Notable highlights include:
Averaging four tries a Test in his debut season (2017)
Historic wins over Australia (home and away) and England (2018 Six Nations)
Scotland’s highest world ranking of 5th (2017/18)
Retaining the Calcutta Cup in 2019 for the first time since 1983
Leading Scotland to third in the 2023 Six Nations — their best finish since 2018
Townsend was also part of the coaching staff for the 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa, 24 years after featuring as a player in the 1997 series win.
Recent Developments
2018: Extended contract to 2021
2020: Signed a new deal through the 2023 Rugby World Cup
2023: Signed a further three-year extension until 2027, taking him through to the Rugby World Cup in Australia
He is set to coach his 100th Scotland game during the 2026 Six Nations
Under his leadership, 12 Scottish players were selected for the Lions tour of Australia
Has developed a young, competitive squad, achieving historic away wins against England and France, while regularly challenging the world’s best teams
Townsend has built a strong team culture that has engaged both players and fans, with record ticket sales at Scottish Gas Murrayfield reflecting the team’s connection with its supporters
Legacy
With his extended contract, Townsend is positioned to continue shaping Scotland’s rugby identity and driving them toward success at the highest level. Widely respected across world rugby, he combines his tactical innovation, player development, and deep connection to Scottish rugby culture to lead the national side into a new era.
September 3rd, 2025. TZ
Career
 |
Scotland Head Coach |
2017 - present |
 |
Northampton Saints Fly Half |
1995 - 1998 |
 |
Brive Fly Half |
1998 - 2000 |
 |
Castres Olympique Fly Half |
2000 - 2002 |
 |
Sharks Fly Half |
2004 - 2004 |
 |
Montpellier Fly Half |
2004 - 2005 |
 |
Border Reivers Fly Half |
2002 - 2007 |
 |
Glasgow Warriors Number 30 |
2012 - 2017 |
 |
British & Irish Lions Coach |
2021 - 2025 |
