Gregor Townsend signs new Warriors deal

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has ended speculation about his future after penning a two-year contract extension with the Scotstoun side.

The former Scotland stand-off's stock has risen considerably since transforming his team into Guinness Pro12 champions.

But he has now disappointed English clubs keeping tabs on his progress by committing his future to Glasgow until June 2017 after he struck a new deal with Scottish Rugby.

Townsend - twice named Pro12 coach of the year - joined Glasgow from the national team set-up in 2012 and in the years following has led them to the semi-finals, the final and then last year's Belfast triumph over Munster.

He has also been instrumental in developing young Scottish talent, with players like Stuart Hogg, Mark Bennett, Alex Dunbar, Peter Horne, Finn Russell, Adam Ashe and new skipper Jonny Gray all establishing their careers at Scotstoun.

The coach's influence even saw Warriors provide a record 21 players for teams competing at this year's World Cup in England, with 17 alone part of the Scotland squad.

Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson said:

"We are delighted to have retained Gregor's services up to the end of the 2017 season.

"After Glasgow Warriors became the first Scottish team in the professional era to win a major trophy it was only natural Gregor's talents would be of interest to other clubs.

"We maintain a constant dialogue with our coaches and believe he remains the right person to take the Warriors forward and consolidate their recent success.

"He has created a consistent winning culture at Scotsoun and that is benefitting both the club and the players he works with.''

Townsend said: "I'm very excited to be able to continue my role with the Warriors.

"Being offered the job in 2012 was a huge honour and I've thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone at the club.

"The investment from Scottish Rugby, both in the team and facilities at Scotstoun, have played a vital role in our success and I firmly believe that there is a lot more to come from this group of players - their work ethic and desire to improve has me very optimistic about the future.''