Gregor Townsend insists his contentious decision to take on a new advisory role with Red Bull will not have any negative bearing on his ability to continue leading Scotland.

After extending his contract with the national team in September until the 2027 World Cup, it emerged earlier this month that the long-serving head coach will be spending 30 days a year working on Red Bull’s global rugby strategy in a non-executive position.

Townsend was criticised in some quarters for accepting a part-time job while being in charge of his country, but he is adamant there is no need for concern.

Asked at a press conference on Tuesday for the naming of his squad for the autumn internationals if he understood why there had been a backlash, the 52-year-old said: “Yeah, look, everyone’s got their opinio

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