Taylor departs to join Wallabies

Taylor joined the Scottish coaching system in 2012 from the Queensland Reds after their title-winning Super Rugby season, in a dual role covering Glasgow Warriors and Scotland’s defence.

The Warriors’ 2015 PRO12 triumph was a landmark moment for the former Border Reivers and Scotland A back-row, whose coaching tenure took in 147 matches with the Scotstoun side and 87 Test matches for the national team.

He said: “I would like to thank the players and the staff of both Scotland and Glasgow Warriors for the friendship they have shown to me and my family over the past eight years.

“The moments we’ve shared through this period will stay with us for many more to come. The Calcutta Cup win in 2018 with Scotland and winning the PRO12 title in 2015 with Glasgow are ones which will always remain vivid.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my family – Kirsten, Brianna and Cruz – who came to Scotland to start a new life and support me. They have done so in spades.

“We made Scotland our home and have made so many close and lifelong friends. Although the move back to Australia opens a new chapter in our lives, it’s not a case of closing the book here. We will always stay connected to our friends and family and particularly the Scotland national team.

“I’m going to miss Flower of Scotland, the roar of BT Murrayfield, the passion of Scotstoun and – most of all – the celebrations in the changing room after a game with players and staff alike, but the time is right to take on a new challenge.”

Scotland Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Matt both at Glasgow and Scotland. As teammates back at the Borders we talked a lot about the possibility of going into coaching, then we used to share notes and learnings as we began our coaching careers on opposite sides of the world.

“Matt is passionate about coaching – helping players and the team improve, and also continually striving to be a better coach. He can be really proud of a number of achievements he helped create over an eight-year period in Scottish rugby.

“We wish him all the best in his new challenge, working with the country he grew up in. I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”