Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend has dismissed claims he is set to take over at Newcastle Red Bulls, saying the rumors are an attempt to "disrupt" Scotland ahead of their Six Nations opener against Italy on Saturday.
Townsend, 52, was asked about reports claiming he would be the next boss of Gallagher Premier club Newcastle after his contract with Scotland expires in Australia next year. However, Townsend said there is no truth to this and that his focus remains solely on the Scotland team.
"There's no truth in me signing a contract beyond the World Cup," Townsend said at a press conference in Edinburgh. "I think it's being put out there to try and disrupt ahead of this game or next week's game against England."
Townsend's comments come after a much-changed side was named for their opener against Italy, with several surprise selections.
British and Irish Lion Blair Kinghorn has been dropped from the matchday squad in favor of Tom Jordan, while Glasgow duo Jamie Dobie and Kyle Steyn have been handed starts. Scotland's leading try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe has also been left out, with Darcy Graham preferred to him despite struggling for form recently.
The team is set to face Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, before heading to England next weekend.
Townsend, 52, was asked about reports claiming he would be the next boss of Gallagher Premier club Newcastle after his contract with Scotland expires in Australia next year. However, Townsend said there is no truth to this and that his focus remains solely on the Scotland team.
"There's no truth in me signing a contract beyond the World Cup," Townsend said at a press conference in Edinburgh. "I think it's being put out there to try and disrupt ahead of this game or next week's game against England."
Townsend's comments come after a much-changed side was named for their opener against Italy, with several surprise selections.
British and Irish Lion Blair Kinghorn has been dropped from the matchday squad in favor of Tom Jordan, while Glasgow duo Jamie Dobie and Kyle Steyn have been handed starts. Scotland's leading try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe has also been left out, with Darcy Graham preferred to him despite struggling for form recently.
The team is set to face Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, before heading to England next weekend.
btw I thought it was a big risk 2 drop Kinghorn but Tom Jordan seems like good replacement 
also, what happened 2 Duhan van der Merwe? was he injured or smthn 
what's wrong with people trying to disrupt a team? like, can't they just let the players focus on their game? Townsend seems super calm about it, but I get why he'd want to shut down these rumors... it's not like Scotland needs any extra stress before the Six Nations 
anyway, glad to see some new faces in the squad! 
And what's with all these surprise selections for the Italy game? Are they trying to mess with our head or something? 
On the other hand, Blair Kinghorn getting dropped from the squad is kinda a big deal... so maybe Townsend does have some thoughts on that too? 
anyway can't wait for this saturday's match - who do u think will win? 
, I wonder who's behind those rumors trying to disrupt the team... maybe someone close to Townsend or even the players themselves? 
Anyway, it's good to hear that Townsend is focusing on the next game against Italy and not getting caught up in all this gossip 
. Can't wait to see how Scotland performs against Italy! 
and they were like a million dollars or something... anyway back to Scotland, Townsend seems super calm about the whole Newcastle thing, maybe he's onto something? 
I mean, can you imagine walking into the training pitch every morning thinking "oh yeah, I'm not just gonna be coaching my team, but also trying to win a championship"? 
anyway, gotta say, those rugby teams always make me hungry, and I wonder if Gallagher's got any sick sponsorship deals 
anyway, gotta keep an eye on Scotland's match against Italy this wknd 
. I mean, he's been doing a solid job with Scotland and they need all hands on deck for the Six Nations 
. Can you imagine the drama if Townsend were to take over in the middle of the season? 
Team dynamics would be all messed up 
. I'm glad he's keeping his focus on Scotland and not getting distracted by these rumors 
. Scotland vs Italy is gonna be a close game, but I've got faith in the squad 
. and duhvan van der merwe being left out is definitely a shock 
. fingers crossed they can get their act together and take down Italy on Saturday 
️!
Scotland's squad has been all over the place lately and now they're dropping Blair Kinghorn? 