Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend expects Shaun Wane to make an immediate impact after the latter was this week unveiled as the country’s new high performance coach.
Wane will finish off the Super League season with Wigan Warriors – where in his six years as head coach he has led them to five trophies – before linking up with the SRU set-up.
Scotland are enjoying a new lease of life under Townsend including impressive NatWest 6 Nations victories over France, England and Italy earlier this year and a record win over Argentina last week.
And Townsend – who has spent time with Wane’s Warriors side as he bids to learn from rugby league – cannot wait to welcome his new addition to the coaching staff.
Townsend said: “There is a lot we can learn from Shaun in both the technical side of the game as well as wider aspects of coaching.
“The range of skills now needed across the pitch in rugby union, aligned with the style of play we are developing, means that all our players have to be able to pass accurately and deploy effective lines of running that will either hold defenders or find space.
“What Shaun brings from rugby league is immediately transferrable and will add real value.”
The 53-year-old Wane led Wigan to two Super League titles, including the double in 2013, and is excited about the direction Scottish rugby is heading.
“The Scottish way of playing the game is fast, highly skilled and positive,” he said.
“That is something I want to contribute to, and help develop further.
“I see this as a fantastic opportunity to not only impart what I have learnt over my career in rugby league as a player and coach, but also to learn myself from union and look to support the excellent work already being done in Scotland.”
