GREGOR TOWNSEND is facing renewed scrutiny on his position as Scotland head coach after accepting a part-time consultancy role with Red Bull and Newcastle.
Townsend signed a new contract extension last month that will see him remain in charge of Scotland until the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
It was expected that his new deal would put an end to months of speculation linking him with a position at the English Premiership club.
But it was confirmed yesterday that the 52-year-old will take on a new role with Red Bull to advise on high-performance strategy after they completed their takeover of Newcastle in the summer.
It is a shock move which raises fresh questions over his commitment to the Scotland job, with the SRU’s handling of the situation also under scrutiny.
Gregor Townsend has taken on a consultancy role with Red Bull, who own Newcastle Falcons
Red Bull are the owners and main sponsors of Newcastle Falcons
If Townsend was so keen to explore other opportunities, it begs the question as to why the SRU didn’t promote Glasgow Warriors’ Franco Smith into the Scotland job.
Senior sources at Murrayfield insist they have given the move their full blessing, whilst also claiming Townsend made them fully aware of his intentions when he signed his new deal.
Sources were also keen to stress that Townsend’s new role is with Red Bull, rather than Newcastle. But given that Newcastle are the only club in the company’s rugby portfolio, they are effectively the same thing.
A Scottish Rugby spokesperson said: ‘Red Bull have appointed Gregor Townsend as strategic advisor and consultant on their global rugby strategy with Scottish Rugby’s full knowledge and support.
‘This is a great opportunity for Gregor with one of the biggest sporting organisations in the world.
‘He will be participating in high-level strategic conversations with a powerhouse in sport and we see that as being beneficial to Scottish Rugby going forward. Gregor remains fully committed to his role as Scotland head coach and we see this new role working alongside that well.’
Whilst the SRU and Townsend are adamant that his full focus remains on Scotland, it looks like the groundwork is being laid for him to eventually wind up in charge of Newcastle.
In a Tartan takeover of sorts, the club also announced yesterday a series of Scottish executives have been recruited behind the scenes, all of whom have close links to Townsend.
Jonny Petrie, a former Scotland team-mate of Townsend’s, is their new managing director. Neil McIlroy, Townsend’s fellow Borderer, is the new sporting director/general manager.
Steve Diamond has left Newcastle after just one game of the Gallagher Premiership season
The SRU have given head coach Townsend their blessing to work with Red Bull
John Fletcher, currently head of pathways at the SRU, will become Newcastle Red Bulls academy and pathways director later in the year.
The news came after Newcastle dispensed with the services of director of rugby Steve Diamond yesterday after just one match of the new season.
Diamond’s position had been under threat earlier this summer once Newcastle’s takeover by the Austrian energy drink giants had been completed.
Whilst not being a frontline coaching position, Townsend will work with Newcastle around his Scotland role and be on hand to offer input in non-international periods for around 30 days a year.
It is understood Townsend will help Red Bull on ‘strategy and philosophy’ at Newcastle as the club aims to build a top-of-the-range high-performance entity.
Newcastle’s confirmation of Diamond’s departure on Wednesday made no reference to Townsend, but did confirm Alan Dickens has been promoted to head coach. Dickens’ first game in charge will be at Exeter on Saturday.
Newcastle said Diamond’s departure was one of ‘several changes to the management structure to reflect the club’s deep and lasting commitment to developing local rugby talent through a strengthened academy program, delivering a world class fan experience and achieving sporting excellence for years to come.’
