GREGOR TOWNSEND has revealed he turned down the opportunity to join the British and Irish Lions coaching team next summer in order to focus on Scotland's tour of Australia.
The current Glasgow Warriors head coach will replace Vern Cotter in the national hot seat at the end of the season, shortly before the Lions set off on a tour of New Zealand.
But with Scotland jetting off for a Test series against the Wallabies around the same time, Townsend declined an offer from Lions coach Warren Gatland to become an assistant.
"It's a case of timing," the 43-year-old explained.
"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."
When asked if he had been approached by Gatland, Townsend replied: "Yeah, a couple of weeks ago, and I was obviously flattered but my priority now is Glasgow and at the end of the season Scotland are going on tour so that's the priority then.
"To be approached was great and I'm sure Warren will talk about his coaching staff next week so I will leave him to talk about more details.
"I had a good think and didn't give an immediate answer. I really wanted to reflect on what was involved but I quickly realised that the Scotland tour of Australia is my number one priority at the end of this season.
"At international level you don’t get that much access with the players. This is the most access you’ll get with them. On a tour you get to work with them, preparing them and spending time with them, so that’s the biggest factor.”
Despite the impact it would have on his touring squad in Australia, Townsend is hoping to see several Scots called up for the Lions squad next year.
"We had three Glasgow players on the last Lions tour, to get a similar number or more would be fantastic for us and Scottish rugby,” he said.
“I want as many Scotland players as possible to be on tour with the Lions. It would be a brilliant experience, to learn from different coaches, to learn from different players and to take on the best team in world rugby.”
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