'Gregor has the answers' - Gilchrist backs Townsend

Grant Gilchrist has backed Gregor Townsend to remain as Scotland head coach despite the national team again failing to mount a meaningful Six Nations title challenge.

Defeat by France in Paris confined the Scots to fourth place, the sixth time in Townsend's eight-year spell they have finished in the bottom half of the table.

It is an underwhelming return for a group of players some consider to be the strongest in Scotland's history, but Gilchrist is steadfast in his belief that Townsend will bring success.

"After eight years, you can take for granted the changes that have happened within that time," said the Edinburgh lock.

"I think you become a victim of your own success a little bit because we've set the bar really high.

"We've played some rugby that hasn't been seen in a Scotland jersey for a long time and when we don't perform, it then stands out like a sore thumb now in this team.

"Gregor and the coaching team, they've got the answers. That stability and the ability to build and get better year-on-year has to be, for me, the answer.

"I feel really strongly, really passionately that there's a really special championship, tour, World Cup - there's something in this team and it's really not as far away as people say.

"Everyone's entitled to their opinion but I think when you look at where we're at, it's about consistency, it's not about ability and I think that's an exciting thing for Scottish rugby."

Gilchrist earned his 80th cap at the Stade de France and the 34-year-old says he has no intention of bringing the curtain down on his international career.

"I'm not going away," he said.

"At some point I'll not be good enough, but I absolutely love playing in games like this and atmospheres like this. That's why pulling on a Scotland jersey is a dream come true for me every time.

"I wouldn't have believed growing up I'd get a chance to play for Scotland, so I certainly won't be walking away.

"At some point I won't be good enough, but I'm certainly going to be trying my utmost to stay in this team because I love being part of it."