FORMER Gala captain Gregor Townsend is to become the next Scotland head coach.

The 43-year-old from St Boswells will replace Vern Cotter next June.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Townsend previously worked with Scotland as part of Andy Robinson's backroom staff.

Gregor said: "I am incredibly proud to take on the Scotland head coach role at the end of the season.

"It is a real honour to be given the responsibility of coaching the national team and I look forward to working with such an impressive group of players.

"I'd like to thank Scottish Rugby for this opportunity and also the supporters, players and staff at Glasgow Warriors for their support over the past four years.

"My focus is firmly on the season ahead with Glasgow and I will be doing all I can to help the club continue to progress this year."

The former Scotland fly-half has been highly successful since taking over at Scotstoun - winning the Pro12 with Warriors in 2015.

New Zealander Cotter has been in charge of the Scots since 2014 and led them to the World Cup quarter-finals last year.

Shortly before that tournament, the former Clermont Auvergne head coach had extended his contract with Scottish Rugby until 2017.

The 54-year-old's first Six Nations rendered no points as Scotland lost all five Tests but they improved this year with wins over Italy and France.

Cotter said: "Since taking up this role I believe we have moved forward as a group by working to execute the simple things well.

"Developing skillsets and mindsets has been important to help perform on the international stage.

"The focus has been to respect tradition but also perform in the present, be adaptive and innovative. I have been really pleased with the progress that has been made in all areas.

"The players, and my management group, have enjoyed working hard to give the fans and Scottish Rugby results and performances to be proud of.

"I intend to remain focused on the upcoming Autumn internationals and remaining Scotland matches in 2017."