Townsend on Jordan move, ‘improving’ Scotland & nerveless Douglas

It’s a blow for Glasgow to lose Tom Jordan but a reflection of his excellent performances that big teams wanted him.

Townsend is not concerned by Scottish Rugby posting an £11.3m loss in its latest annual accounts, saying he can only control the rugby side of things. He adds it is exciting times for Scottish rugby with regular sellouts.

He feels the team is still improving despite some mixed Six Nations results and last week’s defeat to South Africa.

On the loss to Springboks, he adds: “It was a bigger defeat than we had in the Six Nations, but the performance was the best we’ve seen for maybe the last year or two.”

Townsend believes Portugal were one of the most exciting teams at the World Cup and will provide a good test on Saturday.

Stafford McDowall has proven himself as a player and leader, with Townsend adding that he is unfortunate to be behind such a good centre partnership as Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones for club and country.

⁠Freddy Douglas, 19, is showing no signs of nerves before his potential Test debut despite having never played a senior club match.

Townsend adds: “He has the mindset we believe that is ready for Test rugby. He will go forward and attack in defence. And he’s got a super strength which is his ability to win turnovers and win that ball back for his team.”