Scotland name Gregor Townsend as Vern Cotter's successor

New Zealander Cotter took over as Scotland boss in 2014, replacing interim coach Scott Johnson, and guided them to the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals before they came fourth in this year's Six Nations, their best finish since 2013.

Townsend, 43, already has experience of working with Scotland, having been part of Andy Robinson's backroom staff between 2009 and 2012.

"I am incredibly proud to take on the Scotland Head Coach role at the end of the season," said Townsend. "It is a real honour to be given the responsibility of coaching the national team and I look forward to working with such an impressive group of players.

"I’d like to thank Scottish Rugby for this opportunity and also the supporters, players and staff at Glasgow Warriors for their support over the past four years. My focus is firmly on the season ahead with Glasgow and I will be doing all I can to help the club continue to progress this year."

He represented Scotland 82 times in a 10-year international playing career and guided Warriors to the Pro12 last year - when they became the first Scottish side to win the title - having taken over in 2012.