Scotland rugby head coach Gregor Townsend will swap the training field for the terraces this week as he joins the Tartan Army in the United States for Scotland’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup.
Townsend is travelling to Boston to watch Steve Clarke’s side take on Haiti in their opening group match before returning home in time to continue preparations for Scotland’s upcoming Nations Championship campaign against Argentina, South Africa and Fiji.
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The rugby boss admitted he could not pass up the opportunity to witness Scotland’s first football World Cup appearance since 1998.
“I was there for the last time – and that was a long, long time ago – for the Morocco game,” Townsend told The Offside Line.
“When the draw was made I thought, ‘let’s go for it’. I feel like I don’t want to miss out. You don’t know when the next one’s going to be.”
Townsend believes simply reaching the tournament has already given supporters a huge lift.
“It’s just a thrill that Scotland are in the World Cup,” he said. “People are just going to enjoy the experience, whether they’re travelling out there to watch the games or staying up until two in the morning to watch it.”
The Scotland coach also sees similarities between Clarke’s football squad and his own rugby side.
“That team reminds me of our team,” he said. “They’ve been together now for a few years. They’re good mates. They understand the game and that’s very important when you’re playing tournaments.”
Townsend revealed he regularly keeps in touch with Clarke and recently congratulated the Scotland manager on his contract extension through to 2030.
Recalling his trip to Scotland’s last World Cup appearance in France, Townsend said: “We literally arrived at the ground as they were kicking off. We were all thinking this was going to be brilliant but Scotland lost 3-0.”
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Subscribe for breaking rugby news, competitions and much, much more…Franco Smith set to replace Gregor Townsend as Scotland head coach
Here are our selections for who should take charge of every major rugby nation next.
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Scotland – Franco Smith
Franco Smith has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most respected coaches. Since joining Glasgow Warriors in 2022, he transformed the team’s playing style and led them to the 2024 URC title, showcasing his strategic vision.
He brings valuable international experience, having served as Italy’s head coach and later Head of High Performance. This exposure provides him with a global perspective that aligns well with the Scottish Rugby Union’s ambitions.
Although he recently extended his Glasgow contract, his name frequently appears in discussions about Scotland’s future.
England – Shaun Edwards
One of the best coaches in the world is English, and the RFU should be targeting him as a replacement for Steve Borthwick.
Shaun Edwards’ reputation as a tactician and motivator is unparalleled, and his defensive acumen could immediately strengthen England’s set-up.
Edwards’ playing career in rugby league was legendary. He won eight championships and nine Challenge Cups with Wigan Warriors and played in a record eleven finals.
Transitioning to rugby union, Edwards coached London Wasps from 2005 to 2011, winning multiple Premiership titles and European trophies. He later became Wales’ defence coach, contributing to three Grand Slams and four Six Nations victories.
More recently, he guided France to three Six Nations titles as defence coach. His track record of adapting to new challenges, coupled with his tactical genius, positions him as a prime candidate to lead England forward.
