Townsend turned down offer from the Lions

GREGOR Townsend admitted he thought l ong and hard before turning down a British Lions coaching offer.

Townsend has confirmed he rejected the chance to join the British & Irish Lions coaching team for next summer’s tour of New Zealand because it clashed with Scotland’s tour to Australia.

The summer duties will be the Glasgow Warriors head coach’s first chance to work with his full squad after he takes over from present coach Vern Cotter.

Townsend said: “It’s a case of timing.

“I feel hugely privileged to be given the Scotland job and our first opportunity to work with the players is at the same time as the Lions tour.

“I was approached a couple of weeks ago.

“I was obviously flattered but my priority now is Glasgow and, at the end of the season, Scotland are going on tour, so that’s the priority then.

“I had a good think and didn’t give an immediate answer.

“I really wanted to reflect on what was involved but I quickly realised the Scotland tour to Australia is my No 1 priority at the end of this season.

“At international level, you don’t get that much access with the players. This is the most access you’ll get with them. On a tour you get to work with them, preparing them and spending time with them, so that’s the biggest factor.”

GLASGOW welcome back 10 internationals into their starting line-up for the visit of Munster tonight. They include nine Scotland players and Tonga’s Sila Puafisi.

JB Holmes