Scottish Rugby head coach Gregor Townsend is to take on a second job as a part-time adviser on “strategy and philosophy” for Newcastle Red Bulls, it emerged on Wednesday.
It is understood Townsend will spend 30 days a year working on Red Bull’s global rugby strategy in a non-executive position.
Newcastle is the only rugby club in Red Bull’s ownership portfolio.
The English club has announced big changes to its management structure.
Scottish Rugby said on September 3 that Townsend agreed to extend his contract until the end of 2027, following the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Townsend began his term in 2017 and is the longest serving head coach of the Scotland national team in the professional era. During the 2026 Guinness Six Nations, Townsend will coach his 100th Scotland game.
Townsend had been linked with a move to Newcastle as director of rugby before agreeing his new Scottish Rugby contract in September.
It is understood the Red Bull arrangement was agreed at the same time as his Scotland contract — and has the support of bosses at Scottish Rugby.
Townsend’s 30 days a year with Newcastle Red Bull will all be outside of all international windows.
Scottish Rugby insists there is no conflict of interest with the work Townsend does with the Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors rugby teams.
A Scottish Rugby spokesperson said the Newcastle Red Bull move 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,” said the spokesperson.
“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.”