Townsend: Deal talk a load of Bull

GREGOR TOWNSEND dismissed claims he has been primed to take over at Newcastle as an attempt to “disrupt” Scotland ahead of the Six Nations.

- BY ANTHONY BROWN

NO DEAL Townsend says nothing has been signed

Townsend has been tipped to take charge of the Gallagher Prem club when his contract with Scotland expires after next year’s World Cup in Australia.

The 52-year-old took on a consultancy role with Red Bull, who own Newcastle, last year.

But the Scotland coach said: “It's pure speculation. I've not signed a contract beyond the World Cup with anybody, so it's a story that is being put out to try and disrupt.