NEWS: Pieter de Villiers, Steve Tandy and John Dalziel have extended their contracts as Scotland assistant coaches following Gregor Townsend, who committed his future to Scottish Rugby earlier this month.
All three coaches will continue working with Scotland beyond the Rugby World Cup until at least April 2026 alongside Townsend.
The South African-born De Villiers joined the Scotland coaching team ahead of the 2020 Six Nations, in the role of scrum coach.
The former prop played in two Rugby World Cups for France (1999 and 2007) earning 69 caps in an eight-year Test career, which also brought four Six Nations titles.
He moved into coaching after his retirement through injury in 2008 and joined South Africa as Scrum Coach in 2012, before switching to Stade Francais in 2018.
De Villiers played for the Top 14 side 150 times in a 14-year spell and won the French title on five occasions with the club between 1998 and 2007.
Steve Tandy began as Scotland’s defence coach in 2020 and was part of the British and Irish Lions coaching team in 2021.
Former Glasgow Warriors Assistant Coach and Scotland Under-20s head coach John Dalziel has served Scotland as forwards coach for the last three years and joins scrum coach Pieter de Villiers in continuing their service with the national team.
During the Guinness Six Nations, former All Black assistant coach and Scarlets head coach Brad Mooar joined the Scotland coaching staff alongside Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Pete Horne. Both coaches assisted in attack and will continue their roles during the build-up to the Rugby World Cup and into the tournament itself.
Mental Skills Coach Aaron Walsh will also continue working with the team during the Rugby World Cup period.
Gregor Townsend said: “The news that Steve, John and Pieter have extended their contracts is a real boost. They are all key members of the coaching group and provide invaluable support to our players and myself.
“Since coming on board all three have made a hugely positive impact to not only their individual areas but also to our all-round game and the environment. I’d like to thank Scottish Rugby for their support in keeping this coaching group together for the next few years.
“We enjoy working with each other and are determined to do all we can to bring out the best in this special squad of players.
“It’s great news that we’ve been able to secure the services of Pete and Brad for the Rugby World Cup too. They both contributed to our group hugely during the Guinness Six Nations period. I’m looking forward to working with them again on the attack side of our game and helping improve the skills and decision making of our players.”
Scotland are back in action when they face Italy, France and Georgia in Nations Series at Murrayfield this July and August.
Source @Scotlandteam
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