Taylor, 39, is leaving the Queensland Reds who he helped to the Super XV title last season and who have already a 100% winning record at the top of the table this season. Part of his remit in Scotland will include working alongside Gregor Townsend as part of the Glasgow Warriors coaching team for next season.

Taylor's appointment was welcomed by Scotland head coach Andy Robinson. He said: “Firstly I'd like to pay tribute to the work undertaken by Graham Steadman who is moving on from the Scotland defence coach role.
"I believe Matt Taylor's appointment is a coup for us. He is someone who is passionate about Scotland and Scottish rugby and his record with Queensland Reds and the esteem in which he is held speaks volumes about what he will bring to his new role."

Taylor will bring his family back to Scotland to take up the post. He said: “There is a long and proud tradition in Scottish Rugby and to be part of that is not only a great honour but a huge opportunity.

"To be embarking on a new journey is exciting, but to do so in Scotland is especially pleasing having already experienced first-hand the passion for which the nation has for rugby. I've got many fond memories from my time in Scotland and I'll be looking forward to adding many more.

"At the Queensland Reds we based our success around the defensive side of the game and replicating that in Scotland where fans recognise the team for their defensive nous will be critical to my role and to the overall success of the team.

"Accomplishing this is a challenge I am eager to take on after I complete my commitments to what has been an extremely successful and satisfying association with the Queensland Reds."

Matt Taylor
Born 16 September 1972 in Brisbane

Matthew McGregor Taylor represented Queensland at under-16 and under-21 levels as well as playing for the Australian Barbarians. He qualified to play for Scotland through his mother and father, both of whom were born in Dunfermline, Fife. Matt initially arrived in Scotland in season 1999/2000 to play for Aberdeen GSFP and was subsequently selected for the victorious Caledonian district side who won that year's district championship. He secured a contract with Edinburgh Rugby in May 2000 and transferred to the Borders in summer 2002. He represented Scotland Development XV and Scotland A in their victories over Tonga and Argentina in November 2001 and returned to A duty in the win over Italy A in February 2002. His last game for Scotland A was as a replacement in the November 2002 win over Fiji.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Graham Law
Senior Media Manager - Scotland and Community
Tel: +44 (0)131 346 5164
Mob: +44 (0) 7764 178940
email: graham.law@sru.org.uk
www.scottishrugby.org

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