"Announcement soon" - Scotland have three man shortlist to coach them after World Cup

Being linked with jobs here, there and everywhere, it seemed almost certain that he'd leave his role as head coach following the 2023 World Cup.

However, according to Townsend, he has engaged in preliminary discussions regarding his continuation as Scotland's head coach after the upcoming World Cup.

He expects a decision to be reached "soon" and plans to delve deeper into the topic in the next two weeks after taking a break.

Townsend has expressed a need for time to ponder and reflect on the matter with the SRU having already spoke to two other potential candidates.

Prior to the 2023 Six Nations, the former All Black coach has reportedly been in discussion with the Chief Executive of the SRU, about taking over the position of Scotland’s Head Coach.

SRU Chief Executive Mark Dodson has reportedly been in discussion with MacDonald, despite the ongoing Six Nations success of Gregor Townsend, Sportsmail report. 

MacDonald is currently the Head Coach of the Auckland Blues in Super Rugby, yet could be set to make the switch following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Townsend’s current contract with Scotland runs out after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with MacDonald being eyed up as the next in line. 

MacDonald has also previously coached Tasman Mako in the Bunnings NPC, and the Crusaders, before switching to Super Rugby rivals the Blues in 2019. MacDonald has proven success as a coach, as he won the 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby seasons with the Crusaders, and took the Blues to the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa Final. 

As a player, MacDonald achieved 56 caps for the All Blacks. A versatile utility back, MacDonald played fullback and centre, and was able to occasionally lead the line at fly half. A mainstay for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, MacDonald also represented Canterbury in the provincial leagues. A move to Japan took MacDonald to play for Yamaha Jubilo and the Kintetsu Liners.

Despite being heavily linked with being the next All Blacks coach, Robertson is another exciting coach the SRU has identified as a possible target.

The Crusaders coach has six Super Rugby titles on his compelling CV, but no international head coaching experience.