Scottish Rugby announced today (Friday 17 July) that former Scotland internationalist Gregor Townsend has been appointed by Andy Robinson as the Scotland attack coach.

Townsend, who won 82 caps for Scotland and was a member of the series-winning British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 1997, was famed during his playing days for his attacking flair and will now be bringing his skill-set to the national team set-up.

Since then Townsend’s knowledge, experience and excellent rapport with the players has enabled him to establish himself as a fundamental part of the national set-up which has seen new Scotland coach Andy Robinson keen to retain his services since the pair teamed up on the successful Scotland A Nations Cup campaign in Romania.

Commenting on the appointment Townsend said: “I am delighted and honoured to take up the position as attack coach for Scotland. I have been working closely with Andy Robinson over the last few months and am relishing the opportunity to work with him and the rest of the team.

“Our first match is against Fiji at Murrayfield on Saturday 14 November and I can’t wait to assist the team in their preparations.”

Townsend, who will also continue to be involved with the Winning Scotland Foundation, admits he is aiming to use all his experience – both as a coach and as a player – to bring success to the national team.

“As a player I was passionate about representing my country and as a coach I am focussed on doing everything I can to help Andy and the team to achieve success. 

“I have been working at the Winning Scotland Foundation for the past two years and I have certainly learned an awful lot about preparing individuals and teams in achieving their potential and, thanks to the Foundation, I am confident I can bring these skills to the Scotland team.”

Robinson welcomed the appointment of Townsend and believes he will be an asset to his coaching staff.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome Gregor onboard. He was a wonderful player for Scotland and his enthusiasm and commitment always shone through. As our attack coach I am confident he will make a very positive impact on the team.”

Notes to editors:

Gregor Townsend will maintain links with the Winning Scotland Foundation which was formed in 2005 as an independent business led charity with a vision to create a positive winning attitude in Scotland using sport as a catalyst.  To date it has developed and piloted world-class programmes in collaboration with local authorities, sportscotland, the business community, Scottish Rugby, the Scottish Football Association and other stakeholders.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2009 Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests at Murrayfield

 Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests
 Fiji Australia Argentina
Date Sat 14 Nov Sat 21 Nov Sat 28 Nov
Kick-off 2.30pm 5.15pm 2.30pm
Ticket prices £20 / £10 £40 / £20 / £10 £40 / £20 / £10
Concessions U18 and students U18 and students U18 and students
Concession price £10 / £5 £20 / £10 / £5 £20 / £10 / £5

Free Magners League ticket offer
Supporters purchasing a ticket for these Tests will, once again, be able to attend the Edinburgh v Glasgow leg of the 1872 Cup at Murrayfield - FREE!* All Adult tickets for £20 and above (and corresponding concession tickets) purchased for the Autumn Tests will be entitled to receive a free ticket to the Edinburgh leg of the 1872 Cup game to take place at Murrayfield over the Festive season (December 25 2009 to Jan 3 2010, that exact date to be confirmed later this summer).

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• Open to UK residents who have purchased and retained a 2009 Autumn Test ticket with a face value of £20 or over for adults, £10 or over for concessions.  Submit application online by 5 December 2009 for one free 09 / 10 Magners League ticket played in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
• No preferences for specific matches accepted (1872 Cup only).  Apply from 12 October 2009.  Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult
• The promoter is Scottish Rugby Union plc, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12 5PJ