Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
gregor townsend emphasizes his controversial decision to take up a new advisory role with red Bull There will be no negative impact on their ability to continue to lead scotland,
After extending his contract with the national team in September until the 2027 World Cup, it was revealed earlier this month that the long-serving head coach will spend 30 days a year working on Red Bull’s global rugby strategy in a non-executive position.
Townsend has been criticized in some quarters for accepting a part-time job while in charge of his country, but he is adamant there is no need for concern.
When the 52-year-old was asked at a press conference on Tuesday to name his squad for the autumn internationals if he understood why there had been opposition, he said: “Yeah, look, everyone has their own opinion. It’s something I’ve talked about clearly with Scottish Rugby, and the benefits we’ve seen in this role.
“In my own time, I want to learn from other sports and other organisations. This gives me the opportunity to do that, but it’s not something I’m focusing on over the next few weeks, because that will be Scotland’s job.
“I am well aware of my role and the time that I am able to allocate, and I have to make sure that I manage it because over the next few years there will be less holidays, less time off.
“But it can also be a real positive in terms of energizing me and getting me involved on a broader level with the game and management, and that’s what I’ve felt over the last few months (since starting with Red Bull).
“Some of the experiences I’ve had have been energising, but when I’m with Scotland and fully focused even in the planning stages with Scotland, that’s my main role, and it’s a role that gives me a bigger purpose in my life and something I’m fully committed to.”
Townsend admitted that he “absolutely” has to be careful about how he manages his time moving forward.
“When you are with the national team, as a head coach, there are times when it is really intense, and you are in camps, and you are staying in hotels, but there are times throughout the year when you can choose what to do,” he said.
“Some people work in media, some people work away from rugby, and I have this opportunity to work with another sporting organization or a company that runs different sports, and I think that will be helpful for my learning.
“They clearly want what I can contribute in the way of advice. Scottish Rugby knows well what that means, and I have to be careful if there is a potential conflict. I don’t see any, but if there is, I have to flag it with my bosses.”
Townsend’s 45-man squad for next month’s Test against the United States, new zealandArgentina and Tonga feature senior trio xander fagersonJack Dempsey and Rory Darges have been limiting their involvement with Glasgow this season despite injury issues.
The head coach said number eight Dempsey, who has not played a competitive game since March, is now fit and ready to play, while he expects prop Fagerson and flanker Darge to be in contention for the second match against the All Blacks.
Edinburgh captain Magnus Bradbury, 30, has been recalled after winning the most recent of his 19 caps on the 2022 summer tour, while his club mates Liam McConnell and Harry Morris have been called up for the first time.