Gregor Townsend accuses English media of ‘disrupting’ Scotland over ‘pure speculation’ Newcastle Red Bulls link
Gregor Townsend watches Scotland training in 2025
Gregor Townsend has denied signing a deal to become Newcastle Red Bulls’ director of rugby after the 2027 World Cup, claiming reports are an effort to disrupt his team’s Six Nations start.
His words come amid initial reports from the Telegraph that he had agreed to take over the role with the newly-cashed-up PREM side at the conclusion of next year’s tournament in Australia, when his current deal with the Scottish rugby union runs out.
Townsend already has a part-time consultancy role with the Red Bulls, advising them on strategy and philosophy.
‘There’s no truth I’ve signed’
This is not the first time Townsend has seen his name linked with the top job at Kingston Park, with initial reports in the summer suggesting he was a possible candidate; however, he has now denied these suggestions.
“It’s pure speculation,” Townsend told members of the media ahead of his side’s Six Nations clash with Italy. “I’ve not signed a contract beyond the World Cup with anybody.
“It’s a story that I think has been put out there to try to disrupt before this week’s game (against Italy) or next week’s game against England.
“It’s just something that comes out, things like this, before the England game in particular.
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“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 until the World Cup.”
These reports linking him with a move away from Murrayfield also come with the head coach under pressure this Six Nations.
Scotland have finished fourth in the past two Championships, winning just two Tests in each of those campaigns, and also come into this year’s edition off the back of a disappointing 2025 Autumn Nations Series in which they squandered a 21-0 lead over Argentina.
Townsend’s side begin their Six Nations campaign with a visit to Rome to take on Italy, before a Calcutta Cup grudge match against England at home.
