Wilson to join Townsend’s coaching staff in August

Danny Wilson has pulled out of a move to join Wasps next season after being confirmed as Scotland’s new forwards coach.

The former Cardiff head coach had been due to join the English club as an assistant this summer, but will instead join the Scottish ranks as support for Gregor Townsend.

Wilson will replace the outgoing Dan McFarland, who is set to join Guinness PRO14 side Ulster, after a deal was agreed with Wasps to let him join Scotland ahead of next year’s World Cup.

The Welshman comes off the back of a successful campaign with Cardiff – his third at the helm – in which he led the Blues to European Challenge Cup glory and secured Champions Cup qualification in the process.

He will join Townsend’s coaching staff in August after their current tour of the Americas where they have won one and lost one.

“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,” Townsend told Scottish Rugby.

“Danny has a lot of technical knowledge around the scrum, the lineout and the 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 U20 level, helping teams and individuals reach their potential.”

Gregor Townsend.