Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Newcastle Falcons after the 2027 Rugby World Cup as 'pure speculation', suggesting the story was planted to disrupt his team's preparations for the Six Nations. The 52-year-old, who took on a consultancy role with Red Bull-owned Newcastle last year, was reported to be taking charge of the Premiership club once his Scotland contract expires.
'I've not signed a contract beyond the World Cup with anybody, so it's a story that I think is being put out there to try to disrupt ahead of this game or next week's game against England,' Townsend told a press conference in Edinburgh on Thursday. He insisted the rumours would not negatively impact his squad.
Townsend has made bold selection calls for Saturday's match against Italy in Rome, dropping first-choice backs Blair Kinghorn, Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham. Tom Jordan starts at full-back, with Jamie Dobie and Kyle Steyn on the wings. 'We feel Jamie, Kyle and Tom deserve their starts given how well they've been playing,' Townsend said.
The head coach acknowledged the challenge posed by Italy, who defeated Scotland 31-29 on their last visit to Rome in March 2024. 'We know what Italy can do when they have that crowd energy behind them,' he said. 'They beat Australia in November, so it's one of the toughest teams now to play in world rugby.'
Elsewhere, Wales have named Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back for their clash with England at Twickenham. The 25-year-old, who returned from an 18-month NFL stint, will make only his fourth Test start at full-back. Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Tests, while England have won 11 in a row.
