Townsend bats off reports of future full-time Newcastle role

Gregor Townsend has claimed reports he is to take over at Newcastle after the 2027 World Cup are an attempt to “disrupt” Scotland before the Six Nations.

- Anthony Brown

Gregor Townsend says he has not agreed to take over at Newcastle

The 52-year-old took on a consultancy role with Red Bull, who own Newcastle, last year and it was reported that Townsend will take charge of the Prem club when his contract with Scotland expires after next year’s World Cup in Australia.

“Well, it’s pure speculation,” the head coach said after naming his team to face Italy tomorrow. “I’ve not signed a contract beyond the World Cup with anybody, so it’s a story that is being put out there to try to disrupt ahead of this game or next week’s game against England.”

Townsend has made the bold call to drop what has generally been his first-choice back three for the clash in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, with Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe out of the 23 altogether and Darcy Graham on the bench.