Scotland star issues firm response over Gregor Townsend’s future as pressure mounts on head coach
Gregor Townsend watches Scotland training in 2025
Scotland star Grant Gilchrist has backed Gregor Townsend to continue as the nation’s head coach, describing him as ‘the answer’, despite another disappointing Six Nations campaign.
Townsend’s side finished the 2025 Six Nations in fourth after just two wins from their five Tests, and also lost the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 2020.
Grant Gilchrist backs Gregor Townsend
Scotland were last in the top three in 2023 and have finished with identical records of fourth place and two wins from five in four of the past five Championships.
But, despite the side seemingly stagnating, experienced forward Gilchrist believes he is still the man for the job.
“After eight years, you can take for granted the changes that have happened within that time,” Gilchrist said.
“I think you become a victim of your own success because we’ve set the bar really high.”
He added: “We’ve played some rugby that hasn’t been seen in a Scotland jersey for a long time and when we don’t perform, it then stands out like a sore thumb now in this team.”
Townsend took the reins at Murrayfield in 2017 after a successful stint with the Glasgow Warriors. Since becoming head coach, he has helped Scotland swing the balance of the Calcutta Cup, losing only twice in his tenure.
Elsewhere, he was also appointed as British and Irish Lions attack coach for their tour of South Africa in 2021.
Pressure has begun to mount recently, though, with a sense of underachievement still looming over the Scots despite the ‘golden generation’ tag.
“Gregor and the coaching team, they’ve got the answers,” Gilchrist said. “That stability and the ability to build and get better year-on-year has to be, for me, the answer.
“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion but I think when you look at where we’re at, it’s about consistency, it’s not about ability and I think that’s an exciting thing for Scottish rugby.”
Gilchrist also feels they could be set for a “really special” moment for the Scots in the near future if Townsend keeps his post.
“I feel there’s a special championship (in the future). There’s something in this team and it’s not as far away as people say,” he added.
Despite the sour ending to their Six Nations campaign, there is still a high Scottish contingency expected for the British and Irish Lions tour this summer.
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