TOONY'S STILL GOT PLENTY IN THE TANK

Coach’s ongoing drive and curiosity key, says Nucifora

- By Anthony Brown

PERFORMANCE director David Nucifora dismissed any notion that Gregor Townsend had run his course with Scotland after handing the long-serving head coach a contract extension and the chance to lead his country to a third World Cup.

There had been speculation about the future of the 52-yearold, with his previous deai due to expire after next year’s Six Nations and scrutiny on his position following back-toback fourth-placed finishes in the championship, combined with successive pool-stage exits at the 2019 and 2023World Cups.

Nucifora, above, who has been overseeing a restructure of Scottish Rugby over the past year, spoke of “the power and value of continuity” after rewarding Townsend with a new deal that would take him up to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia, which kicks off just over a decade after he took charge in the summer of 2017.