SIx Nations: Scotland's Gregor Townsend hits out at timing of Newcastle Red Bulls 'speculation' as he names team for Italy opener

Gregor Townsend dismissed claims that he has been primed to take over at Newcastle Red Bulls as an attempt to "disrupt" Scotland ahead of the Six Nations as he named a much-changed side for their opener against Italy on Saturday.

Scotland open their Six Nations campaign with a return to Rome for the first time since their disappointing defeat there in March 2024 and will be looking for a strong start to improve on their fourth-placed finish last year.

But in Thursday's pre-match press conference in Edinburgh, the Scotland head coach was asked to address reports claiming that he will take charge of Gallagher Prem club Newcastle when his contract with Scotland expires after next year's World Cup in Australia.

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The 52-year-old last year took on a consultancy role with Red Bull, who own Newcastle.

"Well, it's pure speculation," he said.

"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 and disrupt ahead of this game or next week's game against England.

"It's just something that comes out, things like this, I think ahead of the England game in particular. But yeah, there's no truth in that I've signed a contract beyond the World Cup.

"My focus is on the Scotland team right now and hopefully up until the World Cup."

Asked if he was concerned such stories may have a negative impact on his squad, Townsend said: "No, not at all."

Kinghorn, Graham, Van der Merwe all left out

Townsend's press conference came after he revealed a side containing a number of surprises to face Italy in Rome.

British and Irish Lion Blair Kinghorn has been dropped from the matchday squad, with Tom Jordan taking his place in the starting line-up.

Jamie Dobie has been handed a first Six Nations start and will line up on the wing opposite Kyle Steyn, with the Glasgow pair preferred to Edinburgh's Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe who have both been struggling for form recently.

Graham has been named on the bench but there is no place in the 23 for Scotland's leading tryscorer Van der Merwe, who was dropped in the autumn following a dip in form since his involvement with the Lions last summer.

There was some concern over the fitness of Jack Dempsey after he suffered a foot injury but he has been selected to start at No 8.

Scotland team to face Italy

Scotland: 15 Tom Jordan, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Jamie Dobie, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson,4 Scott Cummings, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 6 Matt Fagerson,7 Rory ​Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey,

Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Elliot Millar-Mills, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 George Horne, 22 Adam Hastings, 23 Darcy ‍Graham.

Scotland's Six Nations 2026 Fixtures

• Italy - Stadio Olimpico - Saturday February 7 - 2.10pm (GMT)
• England - Murrayfield - Saturday February 14 - 4.40pm (GMT)
• Wales - Principality Stadium - Saturday February 21 - 4.40pm (GMT)
• France - Murrayfield - Saturday March 7 - 2.10pm (GMT)
• Ireland - Aviva Stadium - Saturday March 14 - 2.10pm (GMT)