Gregor Townsend has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Newcastle Falcons after the 2027 Rugby World Cup as an attempt to 'disrupt' Scotland's preparations for the Six Nations. The Scotland head coach, who took on a consultancy role with Red Bull-owned Newcastle last year, was reported to be set to take charge of the Premiership club when his contract with Scotland expires after the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
'It's pure speculation,' Townsend said at a press conference in Edinburgh on Thursday after naming his team to face Italy. '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.' He added that there was 'no truth' in the reports and insisted his focus remains on the Scotland team.
Townsend has made bold selection calls for the clash in Rome, dropping his usual first-choice back three of Blair Kinghorn, Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham. Tom Jordan starts at full-back, with Jamie Dobie and Kyle Steyn on the wings. 'Blair, Duhan and Darcy have had some terrific games for us, but there's competition in that back-three area,' Townsend explained. 'We feel Jamie, Kyle and Tom deserve their starts given how well they've been playing.'
The head coach acknowledged the challenge posed by Italy, who beat Australia in November and defeated Scotland 31-29 in Rome last year. 'We know what Italy can do when they have that crowd energy behind them,' he said. 'They are a cohesive team and it's one of the toughest teams now to play in world rugby.'
