If Gregor Townsend is enduring any sleepless nights over complex selection calls ahead of the upcoming Six Nations Series. One might imagine he now has an endless supply of an energy drink to keep his thoughts buzzing. The Scotland head coach’s part-time consulting role with Red Bull, advising on Six Nations strategy, has stirred considerable debate.
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The timing of the move, coming soon after he renewed his Scotland contract until the 2027 Six Nations. Has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially. Since Newcastle Falcons remains the only Six Nations team under the Austrian company’s umbrella. Yet, if his phone has been constantly active in recent weeks. Amid the upheaval following Steve Diamond’s departure and the restructuring of Newcastle’s management.
Townsend’s full-time focus is once again on the national setup. With Lee Radford appointed as defence coach to replace Steve Tandy. The next two weeks will be crucial as Townsend finalises his playing squad for the series of home fixtures at Murrayfield. Where Scotland will face the USA, New Zealand, Argentina, and Tonga.
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Fitness Worries and Fierce Competition Test Scotland’s Depth Before Six Nations
There remain concerns about the fitness of key forwards Zander Fagerson, Rory Darge, and Jack Dempsey, while Huw Jones. The British & Irish Lions centre is unavailable following surgery after the summer tour. Still, in several positions, Townsend’s biggest challenge is deciding whom to omit rather than whom to include.
The second row presents the toughest dilemma, with over a dozen capable candidates battling for perhaps six places in a likely 40-plus player group. These range from seasoned veterans and proven Test performers to players in their mid-20s eager to establish themselves and younger talents pushing for fast-track inclusion in the international arena.
Since Scotland’s disappointing pool-stage exit at the 2023 World Cup, the team has played 20 Test matches, 21 if including the non-cap fixture against the New Zealand Maori this summer. Over that span, 13 different locks have featured. Among them, only Richie Gray, now 36, has stepped away, having effectively drawn a line under his Test career by signing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan a year ago.
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Six Nations: Jonny Gray’s Scotland Future in Doubt
Jonny Gray did make his return to the national side during the Six Nations, though the comeback lacked the dominance he once displayed. His second spell as a high-level Test player was cut short by a bicep injury sustained in the opening game against Wales. Still, Townsend retains the option of recalling two seasoned second-row figures, though questions linger about whether either can maintain form through to 2027.
At this midpoint in the World Cup cycle, the coach may soon need to decide whether to prioritise younger options who require more exposure leading into the tournament in Australia. Jonny Gray, though only 31, has endured heavy wear and tear throughout his career. His resilience in reviving a top-flight journey threatened by a severe knee injury, which sidelined him for his final season at Exeter and caused him to miss the 2023 Six Nations World Cup, deserves credit.
Since moving to Bordeaux in France, Gray initially declined a Scotland call-up last Six Nations, choosing instead to manage his workload after such a lengthy recovery. He later rejoined the squad for the Six Nations. Starting in the first four fixtures before withdrawing ahead of the final game in Paris. Yet, the comeback lacked the assertiveness of earlier years.
It remains uncertain whether he will add to his 81 Test caps, even if Townsend continues to value his professionalism and leadership. Should Gray decide to return to the United Kingdom after this season, Townsend faces a pivotal choice to lean on experience or to invest in the next generation of locks who could shape Scotland’s journey to the World Cup 2027.
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