Townsend worked with new Scotland head coach Andy Robinson during Scotland A's recent Nations Cup campaign in Romania and has been named as a full-time member of the senior coaching set up at Murrayfield.

The ex-Saints, Brive, Castres, Montpellier, Borders and Natal Sharks playmaker started both victorious Tests for the Lions against South Africa 12 years ago.

Townsend, who won 82 caps for Scotland between 1993 and 2003 and scored a try in every game in their 1999 Five Nations triumph, said: "I am delighted and honoured to take up the position as attack coach for Scotland.

"I have been working closely with Andy Robinson over the last few months and am relishing the opportunity to work with him and the rest of the team.

"As a player I was passionate about representing my country and as a coach I am focussed on doing everything I can to help Andy and the team to achieve success."