Scotland make decision on Gregor Townsend's future after Newcastle Red Bulls links
Rugby NewsTuesday, 02 September 2025 at 19:09
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has committed his future to the national side, signing a new contract that will keep him in charge through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
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Rumours put to bed
With his current deal expiring in April 2025, speculation had mounted that Newcastle Red Bulls were eyeing up the Scot as a potential director of rugby.
However, Scottish Rugby will officially confirm on Wednesday morning that Townsend is staying in the hot seat according to the BBC.
Mixed record
Townsend took the reins in 2017 and is already Scotland’s longest-serving coach of the professional era.
- 94 Tests: 53 wins, 40 defeats, 1 draw
- Most memorable? That wild 38-38 at Twickenham in 2019.
- His 100th Test in charge is set to come against England at Murrayfield in the 2025 Six Nations.
But for all his longevity, there are still big question marks. Townsend has failed to guide Scotland out of the pool stage at either of the World Cups he has led them at (2019 and 2023).
Among tier-one nations, he remains the longest-serving head coach still in post.
Fans call for Franco Smith
Despite Townsend’s extension, many supporters have been vocal in their backing for Franco Smith as a potential successor.
The former Italy boss has transformed Glasgow Warriors into one of the URC’s most exciting sides, lifting the 2024 Challenge Cup and earning plaudits for his high-tempo, attacking rugby philosophy.
With international pedigree and deep knowledge of the Scottish game, fans believe Smith would be a natural successor — ensuring continuity while keeping momentum high.
Have your say
The debate isn’t going away. ? Vote in our live poll: Who should lead Scotland into the future — Townsend or Smith?
England handed dream start to the 2026 Six Nations, Fixture confirmed
The countdown is on. The 2026 Guinness Six Nations is set to roar into life with a blockbuster opener between France and Ireland on Thursday 5th February. The reigning giants collide in a fixture that could shape the entire tournament from the off.
Saturday 7th February sees a Super Saturday of sorts, as Italy host Scotland in Rome before England welcome fierce rivals Wales to Twickenham — now rebranded as the Allianz Stadium. Expect fireworks.
Here’s your complete, round-by-round breakdown of the 2026 Six Nations fixtures:
? ROUND 1
?? ?
Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
Saturday 7th February 2026
?? Italy v Scotland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
?? Italy v Scotland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
?️ England v Wales
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? ROUND 2
Saturday 14th February 2026
☘️ Ireland v Italy
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
☘️ Ireland v Italy
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
? Scotland v England
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
Sunday 15th February 2026
? Wales v France
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 3:10pm
? Wales v France
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 3:10pm
? ROUND 3
Saturday 21st February 2026
?️ England v Ireland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
?️ England v Ireland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
? Wales v Scotland
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
Sunday 22nd February 2026
?? France v Italy
? Decathlon Arena, Lille
? Kick-off: 3:10pm
?? France v Italy
? Decathlon Arena, Lille
? Kick-off: 3:10pm
? ROUND 4
Friday 6th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Wales
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
☘️ Ireland v Wales
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
Saturday 7th March 2026
? Scotland v France
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
? Scotland v France
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
?? Italy v England
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? ROUND 5 – Super Saturday
Saturday 14th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Scotland
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
☘️ Ireland v Scotland
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
? Wales v Italy
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
?? France v England
? Venue TBC
? Venue TBC
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