Townsend hails the arrival of Wilson as top move for Scots
Scotland head coach Gregor townsend has finally got his man after a compensation package was agreed between the SRU and Wasps for the services of the highlyrated forwards coach danny Wilson.
after weeks of wrangling townsend confirmed that the former cardiff Blues coach would be replacing dan McFarland who is leaving to become head coach of Ulster.
Wilson was due to begin work as forwards coach at the English Premiership side Wasps next month after a successful threeyear spell in the Welsh capital.
However, a late approach from townsend and a compensation deal thrashed out between Wasps and the SRU has led to his dramatic release before he even had been involved in a game with the English club.
‘I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure danny’s services and would like to thank Wasps and dai Young (Wasps director of Rugby) for enabling that to happen,’ said townsend.
‘danny has a lot of technical knowledge around the scrum, line-out and contact area, which is primarily the role he’ll perform in our coaching set-up.
‘He also brings much more to our group through his experience as a head coach at senior club level and Under-20 level, helping teams and individuals reach their potential.
‘We’re coming into a period where we’ll have more time with the players, particularly in the build-up to Rugby World cup 2019, and I believe he’ll have a really positive impact on an already really good group of forwards and continue to make that a strength for Scotland.
‘He’s someone I’ve got to know over the past few years and I am looking forward to seeing him working with our coaches and the leading players in our squad.’
Wilson said only a move into international rugby would have made him make any effort to get out of his Wasps contract.
‘to coach international rugby and go to a Rugby World cup is the pinnacle of the sport and the goal of most professional coaches,’ said Wilson.
‘It was therefore a huge honour to be identified by Scotland and offered this role.
‘I think Scotland have made huge strides in recent years and play an exciting brand of rugby, with an ever-growing, quality player base.
‘I’m really looking forward to working with and learning from Gregor and the rest of the staff and players in Scotland.’
Wilson’s appointment as forwards coach ends the hopes of former Worcester Warriors head coach carl Hogg who has been shadowing McFarland on Scotland’s three-match summer tour and who had been a real contender for the job.