Scotland coaching team extend contracts beyond World Cup

Three weeks after Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend extended his contract until April 2026, his assistant coaches Steve Tandy, John Dalziel and Pieter de Villiers have done the same.

The quartet have been in charge of Scotland as a unit since 2020, and will continue to take the team forward beyond the World Cup this year and into the next World Cup in Australia in 2027.

Defence coach Tandy also worked with Townsend in 2021 with the British & Irish Lions, and has seen Scotland steadily improve season upon season alongside forwards coach Dalziel and scrum coach de Villiers, as their side finished third in this year’s Guinness Six Nations.

Elsewhere in the coaching staff, former All Blacks assistant Brad Mooar and Glasgow Warriors assistant Pete Horne will continue to work as attack coaches under Townsend in the build up to the World Cup, as they did in the Six Nations this year, as will mental skills coach Aaron Walsh.

After the new deals were confirmed Townsend said: “The news that Steve, John and Pieter have extended their contracts is a real boost. They are all key members of the coaching group and provide invaluable support to our players and myself.

“Since coming on board all three have made a hugely positive impact to not only their individual areas but also to our all-round game and the environment. I’d like to thank Scottish Rugby for their support in keeping this coaching group together for the next few years.

“We enjoy working with each other and are determined to do all we can to bring out the best in this special squad of players.

“It’s great news that we’ve been able to secure the services of Pete and Brad for the Rugby World Cup too. They both contributed to our group hugely during the Guinness Six Nations period. I’m looking forward to working with them again on the attack side of our game and helping improve the skills and decision making of our players.”