DAVE ELLIS

Gustard’s really got his work cut out with England’s midfield

GREGOR Townsend has confirmed he turned down the opportunity to join the British and Irish Lions coaching staff for next year’s New Zealand tour.

The Glasgow head coach will instead oversee Scotland’s summer tour when he replaces 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.”

Lions head coach Warren Gatland will announce his assistant coaches on Wednesday.

Rob Howley, who is in charge of Wales while Gatland concentrates on the Lions, is likely to again be the Lions backs coach. England forwards coach Steve Borthwick and Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell are set to also be part of the Lions’ backroom team.

Topwnsend added: “To be approached was great.

“I had a good think but I quickly realised that the Scotland tour of Australia is my number one priority at the end of this season.”

Townsend, a key man in the 1997 series win over South Africa, added: “We had three Glasgow players on the last Lions tour, to get a similar number or more would be fantastic.

“I want as many Scotland players as possible on that tour. It would be a brilliant experience, to learn from different coaches and different players and to take on the best team in world rugby.”