Gregor Townsend will take over as Scotland head coach next summer, succeeding Vern Cotter. Townsend’s current contract with Glasgow Warriors expires in June 2017, as does Cotter’s with Scotland, meaning there should be a smooth transition from one man to the other.

The move was announced by Scottish Rugby this afternoon (Wednesday), and ends speculation about an attempt to tie up Cotter for a longer stay in the top job. “Scottish Rugby has today confirmed Glasgow Warriors Head Coach, Gregor Townsend will replace Vern Cotter as Scotland Head Coach at the end of the 2016/17 season,” the announcement from BT Murrayfield said.

“Current Scotland Head Coach Vern Cotter’s contract ends in June 2017 and Scottish Rugby has announced its intention to install former Scotland internationalist Gregor Townsend into the role when his current contract with Glasgow Warriors also ends at the same time. Townsend has been Head Coach at Guinness PRO12 side Glasgow Warriors since 2012, leading them to the play-offs in every season, culminating with his team becoming the first Scottish professional side to win the league title in 2015.

“Acknowledged as one of the most respected coaches in the northern hemisphere Townsend has regularly attracted interest from teams across Europe and the southern hemisphere in recent seasons leading Scottish Rugby to move to secure his services through to 2020 as Scotland Head Coach.

Vern Cotter started as Scotland Head Coach in the summer of 2014, starting with a summer tour which saw wins over USA, Canada and Argentina. His appointment came after eight years leading ASM Clermont Auvergne in the French Top 14 league.

“Under his leadership the team won the Top 14 Championship in 2010 and held a 77 game unbeaten home record between 2009-2013. Having ended his playing career in France in 1999 Cotter returned to his native New Zealand to coach Bay of Plenty in the NPC. He then joined Super 12 side Crusaders as forwards coach between 2004-2006 where they won back to back Super Rugby titles before returning to France with Clermont.”

Before Townsend agreed his current deal, there was interest in him from both France and England. Cotter, meanwhile, has been linked with a return to his native New Zealand alongside his old coaching partner Joe Schmidt, who is currently Ireland’s head coach.