Townsend bows out with

potential and already there were a lot of good things happening here,” he said.

“The team had a really good defensive record the season before which proved how hard they worked and worked for each other.

“What we tried to do was have that skill-focus and look to attack whenever the players felt there was an opportunity.

“The way the players responded and took that on was way ahead of what I expected but that showed the ability we had then and still have now.”

He’s proud that four or five academy players have graduated every year and firmly believes in giving youth a shout – in his final selection two teenagers, Scott Cumming and Matt Fagerson, will feature in the pack.

“I’ve found that if you give a player of whatever age an opportunity more often than not they’ll take that opportunity,” he continued.

“It’s been fascinating to see how players have developed and really taken control of the game plan. The day before a game is when I love coaching because the players set their goals, they discuss how they are going to play and they run the last session. Tomorrow it will be them that win the game.”

Townsend is also assured that Glasgow’s advance, despite the disappointment of missing the play-offs, is set to continue.

“The coaching staff coming in spearheaded by Dave Rennie is a real strong fit from what already works here,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the

PRO12/1872 Cup: Edinburgh 12 Glasgow 25: December26 2016

PRO12/1872 Cup: Edinburgh 14 Glasgow 11: January 2 2016

PRO12/1872 Cup: Edinburgh 23 Glasgow 11: December 27 2015

PRO12/1872 Cup: Edinburgh 20 Glasgow 8. January 2 2015.

PRO12/1872 Cup: Glasgow 16 Edinburgh 6: December 27 2014. team will play and I know they’re going to improve and get better.”

But even as he oversees the Warriors for the final time, he’ll also be looking at Edinburgh and it’s in his interests that both clubs are as strong as possible as his first act as Scotland head coach on Monday is to reveal the summer tour squad.

“I’ll have time to watch the game again on Sunday afternoon a couple of times and see how players perform,” he said.

“We’ve obviously been focusing on Glasgow but we have been watching all the players over the last few weeks. There are still a few close decisions and it might be that something happens in this game that persuades us to choose someone over someone else.

“But it is important that both teams perform well, we have more chance of success if they are and it would make more of a balance in selection for squads and tours. But just in ourselves, we’re frustrated and disappointed not to get into the top four or top two this year. For Glasgow, as well as Edinburgh, next year’s got to be a better year.”

It will be an emotional evening with players as well as Townsend bowing out of Scotstoun, most notably Sean Lamont.

The popular wing retires having raised £7,500 this week by returning to the bleached blonde look of his youth by popular demand of the Glasgow fans – although it’s not clear whether the old orange gloves will also get an outing.

“Sean has brought a huge amount to Scottish rugby with his consistency, his mental toughness and meeting the