Townsend set to advise Newcastle in Red Bull role

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is set to advise Newcastle on strategy and philosophy after taking on a part-time role with Red Bull.

The 52-year-old signed an extension last month that will keep him with Scotland until the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

He will spend 30 days a year working on Red Bull's global rugby strategy in a non-executive position. Newcastle are the only rugby club in their portfolio.

Having been in charge of Scotland since 2017, Townsend was linked with a move to Newcastle as director of rugby prior to agreeing his contract in September.

The Red Bull arrangement was agreed at the same time as his Scotland deal and has the backing of his Murrayfield bosses.

Townsend's 30 days will all be outside of all international windows so the union are confident his focus will not be blurred by the additional role.

Furthermore, safeguards are in place to ensure there is no conflict of interest with the work Townsend does with Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.

A Scottish Rugby spokesperson said the move had happened "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," they added.

"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."

Newcastle are the first rugby union club to become part of the Red Bull stable.

The Austria-based company already has significant interests in football, motor racing and winter sports.

Newcastle finished 10th in last season's Premiership and opened the new campaign with a home defeat by Saracens.

At the same time as the Townsend news emerged, it was announced that they have parted company with director of rugby Steve Diamond.