Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has played down reports that he has agreed to take over Newcastle Red Bulls after the World Cup.
Townsend already works as a part-time consultant at Newcastle, but The Daily Telegraph reports that he will take over full-time – most likely as director of rugby – when his contract with the Scottish Rugby Union expires in 2027.
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Townsend advises Newcastle on strategy and philosophy and several of his key allies have been recruited by the ambitious club, which was bought by the energy drink maker last year.
He is under pressure as Scotland manager in preparation for the Six Nations after disappointing performances in the autumn series, which included being booed when his side led 21-0 against Argentina at Murrayfield.
However, the former Scotland player, who took over as national team manager in 2017, has denied that he has signed a deal with Newcastle United.
“This is pure speculation, I have not signed a contract with anyone beyond the World Cup,” Townsend said when announcing his side for the Six Nations opener against Italy.
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“This is a story published before the Italy game or next week’s game against England to try and disrupt people’s minds.
“It’s just something that comes up before an England game, stuff like this.
“I actually signed a contract right after the World Cup and my focus now is on Scotland and hopefully that goes all the way to the World Cup.”
Newcastle have signed 16 players for next season, including England half-back Rafi Quick from Sale Sharks, New Zealand forward Hoskins Sotutu and Fijian winger Georgi Nasowa.
“He didn’t blow the story out of the water”
Analysis by Tom English, chief sports writer, BBC Scotland
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Regarding the Daily Telegraph report, Gregor Townsend used an interesting word “speculation”.
He said he has not signed an agreement with anyone yet. It was all a ploy to disrupt Scotland in front of the Six Nations.
Sorry, but I’m not sure anyone would buy that. Is he committed to signing the agreement?
He doesn’t debunk the story outright through “speculation” and obfuscation. There may be a reason for this.
The Daily Telegraph’s report backs up everything we’ve heard.
But if Scotland get off to a good start in the Six Nations, what he does in 2027 won’t have much of an impact. No one will care.
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If they don’t get off to a good start, all sorts of things will be thrown at him at the moment – distracted by his links to Red Bull and Newcastle, among others.
“The three defenders have earned their place”
Townsend said form was the reason behind the surprising selection of his back three against Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham – Scotland’s two top scorers – have been left out, as has British and Irish Lions Test defender Blair Kinghorn.
Tom Jordan will feature at full-back, with Glasgow Warriors wingers Keir Steyn and Jamie Dobie on the wings.
“Blair, Doohan and Darcy have played some fantastic games for us and they are very proud to play for Scotland. But there is competition in the last three areas as with any other position,” Townsend said.
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“We feel Jamie, Kyle and Tom have done well and deserve to start.
“Selection is about giving players opportunities and they have earned their opportunities. All three of them have played against each other in the competition and worked very hard in areas that are very important at Test level.
“But the three players who were not selected are all good players. If they return to the team, their training in the past few weeks will have a positive impact in the future.”
