Daily Mail Sport<\/a>\u00a0reports that Newcastle are pressing ahead with plans to sign Scotland scrum-half\u00a0Ben White\u00a0\u2014 potentially the first big addition under the Red Bull umbrella.<\/p>\nNewcastle target Scotland No.9<\/p>\n
White, 26, has become one of Townsend\u2019s most trusted players since making his Scotland debut in 2022.<\/p>\n
The London-born No.9 qualifies through his Scottish grandfather and has gone on to win over\u00a025 international caps, earning a reputation for his sharp service, kicking game, and leadership.<\/p>\n
After stints with\u00a0Leicester Tigers,\u00a0London Irish, and\u00a0Toulon, the playmaker is now attracting serious interest from both\u00a0Newcastle\u00a0and\u00a0Edinburgh.<\/p>\n
Woodward delivers stinging verdict<\/p>\n
Speaking exclusively to\u00a0Daily Mail Sport, England\u2019s 2003 World Cup-winning boss didn\u2019t mince his words.<\/p>\n
\u201cScotland still haven\u2019t won anything with their golden generation of players and the worry I have for them is the next cohort doesn\u2019t look anywhere near as talented,\u201d said Woodward.<\/p>\n
\u201cScotland have struggled at Under-20 level in recent years and that doesn\u2019t bode well.<\/p>\n
Gregor Townsend is under pressure after agreeing to work for Red Bull alongside his current role with Scotland. He\u2019d have been better off concentrating on his day job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pressure mounting?<\/p>\n
With Newcastle desperate to climb the Premiership table and Red Bull aiming to make their mark in rugby, Townsend\u2019s dual role is sure to attract plenty of attention.<\/p>\n
If Ben White does make the move north, it could mark the\u00a0first major signing of the Red Bull era\u00a0\u2014 and all eyes will be on Townsend to see just how hands-on he really is.<\/p>\n
EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n
One England and five Springboks selected in 2025 Rugby World XV<\/p>\n
ternationals kick off this weekend, and attention has quickly turned to the announcement of the\u00a02025 Rugby World XV\u00a0\u2014 a selection that has sparked plenty of debate across the rugby world.<\/p>\n
The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2\u20131 series victory, but their success hasn\u2019t translated into widespread recognition in the\u00a02025 Rugby World XV. <\/p>\n
Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut \u2014 evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard, it didn\u2019t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby.<\/p>\n
South Africa, fresh from winning the Rugby Championship, and New Zealand dominate the\u00a02025 Rugby World XV, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.<\/p>\n
2025 World XV<\/p>\n
1. Ox Nch\u00e9 (South Africa \u2014 Loose-head Prop)<\/p>\n
The Springboks\u2019 scrum weapon. Ox Nch\u00e9\u2019s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He\u2019s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa\u2019s physical dominance.<\/p>\n
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland \u2014 Hooker)<\/p>\n
Ireland\u2019s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025\u2014scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan\u2019s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.<\/p>\n
3. Wilco Louw (South Africa\u2014 Tight-head Prop)<\/p>\n
It was always destined to be a man in green, and we reckon \u2018Quadzilla\u2019 just edged out his teammate Thomas du Toit. Taniela Tupou can be electric on his day, but the key words are\u00a0on his day\u00a0\u2014 he still struggles to deliver more than half a game of consistent impact.<\/p>\n
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n
A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth\u2019s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.<\/p>\n
5. Maro Itoje (England \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n
Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless\u2014dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.<\/p>\n
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n
A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne\u2019s versatility makes him a coach\u2019s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.<\/p>\n
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n
Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.<\/p>\n
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand \u2014 No. 8)<\/p>\n
A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.<\/p>\n
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