What was missing from Gregor Townsend's big announcement? Well, the man himself for a start...

It was a rather strange announcement. 

Here was the man to lead Scotland for the next two years, including into the next Rugby World Cup where the likes of Finn Russell will be hoping to finally dazzle on the big stage for their country.

Yet, Gregor Townsend was curiously missing from his own (re)unveiling. 

Indeed, it was left to Scottish Rugby performance director David Nucifora and chief executive Alex Williamson to talk up the Scotland head coach’s new deal... and the reasons for it.

It was obviously pleasant to see Nucifora was there in the flesh, as he has been WFH in Australia for much of the year. 

He found it easy to defend Townsend’s extended stay but then again, he won’t be around to face the flak if it all ends in failure, with his own contract ending next year.

Already the national team’s longest-serving coach of the professional era after being appointed in the summer of 2017, Townsend will have been in the role more than a decade by the time he leads the Scots to his third global showpiece in Australia in just over two years.

The former stand-off’s previous contract was due to expire after next year’s Six Nations — and there had been some doubt about whether he would be retained after drawing criticism following back-to-back fourth-placed finishes in the championship and successive pool-stage exits at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

It would have been nice to hear his thoughts on all of that. To question where he thought the improvement so desired would come from. 

Alas, the only words from Townsend were provided by Scottish Rugby’s own website... never known to be the toughest of interrogators.

‘Being the Scotland head coach is a massive honour for me personally, a true privilege,’ Townsend told his employers.

‘The opportunity to coach my country at another Rugby World Cup is exciting and I am hugely motivated to help the team perform to its potential.

‘Over recent years I have been really encouraged by the progress the team has made and the depth we have built in a number of positions.

‘The experiences from our summer tour and also the (British and Irish) Lions tour will add an extra layer to our group. Having 12 players out on the Lions tour was tremendous for Scottish rugby and the players.

‘It is going to be an exciting build-up period to the World Cup with the potential of a new competition for our summer and autumn fixtures in 2026 as well as two Six Nations Championships for us to attack.

‘And this November we have a cracking run of home fixtures, which will include celebrating the centenary of our national stadium when we take on New Zealand. 

'This occasion will underline the importance we place on connection to our supporters and our history.’

Ah, connection to the supporters. Very important, indeed. Although Nucifora was rather dismissive of their concerns.

‘People base their views on emotional things,’ he said. What, like wanting their team to win? To be successful?

Perhaps Townsend will help with that connection. Winning would definitely help. After all, that is how progress in sport is really measured.