According to reports in France, Gregor Townsend has already decided to leave Scotland when his contract expires after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Midi Olympique, a well-regarded sports publication in France, reported that Townsend is one of many candidates who applied for the position of attack coach in Fabien Galthie’s team for the France team.
Galthie, France’s head coach, is looking to fill the vacancy left by Laurent Labit, who will join Stade Francais after the World Cup.
According to the newspaper, Galthie had hoped to bring in Pierre Mignoni as a new coach, but Mignoni decided to stay on as Toulon’s head coach.
A The Scottish Rugby Union spokesman told The Scotsman they would not comment on the speculation.
Facts about Gregor Townsend:
Throughout his playing career, Gregor Townsend has represented various clubs including Northampton Saints, Brive, Castres, Border Reivers and Montpellier. He was also a versatile player, able to play in various positions such as full-back, centre-back and fly-half. Townsend retired from the professional rugby club in 2007.
In the 1999 Five Nations, he scored a try against every team, becoming the first Scotsman to do so since 1925.
Townsend isn’t the only member of his family with a rugby background. His brother, Craig, was also a player and his son, Christian, represented Scotland at U20 level.
Townsend was awarded an MBE for his services to rugby in 1999.
The fly-half was chosen to be part of the 1997 British and Irish Lions squad managed by Sir Ian McGeechan. During the South Africa tour, he played in two test matches, helping the Lions to a 2-1 series win.
Scotland hope four players will swap nations for Rugby World Cup 2023
We take a look at four rugby union players who could swap nations to represent Scotland at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
#1. Ben Healy
- Age: 23
- Position: Half fly
- Honors: Ireland U20
Healy will join Edinburgh this summer on a two-year deal.
The 23-year-old represented Ireland at Under-20 level but qualified for Scotland through his grandparents.
Healy has played for the Irish province since 2019, collecting 275 points in 47 appearances.
“It is clear how much they want to play. I can’t wait to put myself in a new environment and see how I’m doing,” Healy told the Edinburgh website.
“I want to thank everyone at Munster for their support over the last few seasons. I loved every minute of my time playing with the club, but felt it was the right time to take on an exciting new challenge in Edinburgh.
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