Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has played down a report that he has agreed to take over at Newcastle Red Bulls after the World Cup.
Townsend already has a part-time consultancy role with Newcastle but the Daily Telegraph has reported, external that he will take over full time – most likely as a director of rugby – when his Scottish Rugby Union contract expires in 2027.
Townsend advises Newcastle on strategy and philosophy and several of his key allies have already been recruited by the ambitious club, which was taken over by the energy drinks manufacturer last year.
He is under pressure as Scotland coach as he prepares for the Six Nations following a disappointing autumn series that included his side being booed off at Murrayfield after surrendering a 21-0 lead against Argentina.
However the former Scotland stand-off, who took over as head coach of the national team in 2017, has denied he has put pen to paper on a deal with Newcastle.
“It’s pure speculation, I’ve not signed a contract beyond the World Cup with anybody,” Townsend said as he announced his team for their Six Nations opener against Italy.
“It’s a story that is being put out there to try to disrupt before the Italy game or next week’s game against England.
“It’s just something that comes out, things like these, before the England game in particular.
“There’s no truth I’ve signed the contract beyond the World Cup and my focus is on the Scotland team right now and hopefully up to the World Cup.”
Newcastle have signed 16 players for next season, including England scrum-half Raffi Quirke from Sale Sharks, New Zealand forward Hoskins Sotutu and Fiji winger Joji Nasova.
