Gregor Townsend is to replace Vern Cotter as Scotland head coach from June 2017

Glasgow Warrriors head coach Gregor Townsend will replace Vern Cotter as Scotland head coach in June 2017.

Cotter's contract ends at the end of the 2016/17 season and the Scottish Rugby Union has announced its intention to install Townsend - whose contract with Glasgow expires at the same time - to replace him.

Townsend has served as Warriors head coach since 2012 and led them to the PRO12 play-offs in every season he has been in charge.

Last season Glasgow became the first Scottish professional side to win the league title and now Townsend has been handed the responsibility of leading Scotland into the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Speaking on his appointment, 82-times capped international Townsend said: "I am incredibly proud to take on the Scotland head coach role at the end of the season. It is a real honour to be given the responsibility of coaching the national team and I look forward to working with such an impressive group of players.

"I'd like to thank Scottish Rugby for this opportunity and also the supporters, players and staff at Glasgow Warriors for their support over the past four years. My focus is firmly on the season ahead with Glasgow and I will be doing all I can to help the club continue to progress this year."

Scottish Rugby is now undergoing a recruitment process to find a replacement for Townsend at Glasgow Warriors for next season.

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson said: "Gregor's abilities as a head coach are evident and he is increasingly becoming one of the most sought after coaches in the game.

"I have been charged with developing Scottish coaches and believe the time is now right to secure Gregor's talents, as we build towards the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

"Gregor's playing record as a Scotland internationalist and British Lion showed he is a man of vision and great professionalism, which he has since successfully transferred into his coaching roles, firstly with Scotland and subsequently Glasgow Warriors.

"It is these factors which I feel will enable Scotland to continue its forward momentum, building on the strong foundations laid by Vern, with the current group of players and future Scotland internationals."

"Vern Cotter has made a considerable impact on the development of the Scotland national side during his tenure. His rugby philosophy of setting high standards with a big emphasis on skill development has had a positive effect throughout Scottish rugby.

"He has helped instill self-belief, determination and put a lot of pride into the jersey for players and fans alike and for this, both myself, and Scottish Rugby would like to thank him for this significant contribution to the game in Scotland.

"We will continue to work with Vern in the season ahead as we are both determined to have a successful autumn test series and 2017 Six Nations."

Cotter has been in charge of Scotland since 2014 and led them to the World Cup quarter-finals last year.

The 54-year-old New Zealander is very proud of the progress the Scots have made during his tenure.

"Since taking up this role I believe we have moved forward as a group by working to execute the simple things well," he said. "Developing skillsets and mindsets has been important to help perform on the international stage.

"The focus has been to respect tradition but also perform in the present, be adaptive and innovative. I have been really pleased with the progress that has been made in all areas."