Rugby Australia director of rugby Scott Johnson, the former Scotland head coach, welcomed the 47-year-old “home”.
“He’s a quality coach who has the experience, skillset and personality that we believe will fit really well in the coaching team we have assembled,” he said.
Taylor said the highlights of his time in Scotland would be Scotland’s Calcutta Cup win over England in 2018 and winning the Pro12 title in 2015 with Glasgow.
“I’m going to miss Flower of Scotland, the roar of BT Murrayfield, the passion of Scotstoun and – most of all – the celebrations in the changing room after a game with players and staff alike, but the time is right to take on a new challenge,” he said.
“I have supported the Wallabies since childhood, so to be part of this group moving towards the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023 is an exciting prospect.”
Townsend recalled how he and Taylor, who also played for Edinburgh and Scotland A, became close while with Border Reivers.
“As teammates back at the Borders, we talked a lot about the possibility of going into coaching, then we used to share notes and learnings as we began our coaching careers on opposite sides of the world,” he said.
“Matt is passionate about coaching – helping players and the team improve – and also continually striving to be a better coach. He can be really proud of a number of achievements he helped create over an eight-year period in Scottish rugby.”
