Revealed: The Real Reason Gregor Townsend Didn’t Take Up Lions Role

Gregor Townsend reportedly turned down an offer from Warren Gatland to tour with the Lions next summer.

The soon to be Scotland head coach was believed to have turned down the role in order to fully focus on his new job next summer and tour with the national side as they visit Australia.

Gatland then moved to appoint Wales interim coach Rob Howley instead, who will now go on his third successive tour as a coach, alongside Ireland’s Andy Farrell and England’s Steve Borthwick.

The Times however, are now reporting that Townsend, a former Lions himself as a player, did indeed want to take the role with Gatland but was pressured by Scotland to turn him down and focus on his new role, rather than him actually turning it down himself.

While you can understand where the Scottish Rugby Union are coming from, you can’t help but feel at little aggrieved for Townsend, as coaching the Lions is one of the highest honours you can achieve.

Should Scotland have let Townsend go to New Zealand?