EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Scotland ended any uncertainty over the future of head coach Gregor Townsend heading into the Rugby World Cup by handing him a new contract until April 2026 on Tuesday.

Townsend is already the longest-serving Scotland coach in the professional era, having been in charge since 2017.

His contract with Scotland was due to expire after the World Cup but he has been given at least three more Six Nations campaigns at the helm.

The Scots were third in this year's Six Nations, their highest finish since 2018, and have climbed to No. 5 in the world rankings.

“As coaches, we have been very encouraged by the progress the team has made this season, and we believe there is much more to come from this group," Townsend said. “I also feel the connection the team has with the country is special and that our supporters are backing the team like never before ... Our focus right now remains on Rugby World Cup preparations, but I am delighted to have secured my future for the next few years."

Scotland has been placed in a tough pool at the World Cup, alongside defending champion South Africa, top-ranked Ireland, Tonga and Romania.

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