Scotland's Townsend joins Newcastle as advisor

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has joined Newcastle Red Bulls as a part-time advisor on strategy and philosophy.

Townsend is remaining in his role as national team, having only recently signed an extension that will keep him with Scotland until the end of the 2017 World Cup in Australia.

The 52-year-old's involvement with the ambitious English Prem side amounts to 30 days a year in the a form of non-executive position, consulting on the creation of a high–performance operation.

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

The new arrangement with Newcastle was agreed at the same time as his contract renewal with Scotland and has the backing of his bosses at Murrayfield.

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

Scottish Rugby believe having one of their key coaches with access to Red Bull's sporting operation will only be of benefit his existing work with the national team.

The need for a third professional team - or closer links to a team in England - has been a talking point in Scottish rugby, though there has been no dialogue on that as yet.

"Gregor is a knowledge fiend who has always tried to learn from different sport in different parts of the world," said a source close to the union.

"This is just a continuation of that. He's scratching a development itch and the SRU will get the benefits of it with a connection with a giant sporting brand."

As a player, utility back Townsend played in Australia, England, France and his native Scotland.

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