Video - Pep talk from Guardiola gives Scotland a Six Nations boost

Gregor Townsend hopes a visit to English Premier League club Manchester City will help give Scotland an edge in the Six Nations.

Townsend visited City manager Pep Guardiola at the clubs training ground in December and was impressed with the Spaniard.

"The biggest thing about meeting Pep was seeing a coach so passionate about the details of coaching".

"It's about how to bring the best out of players, not talking the bigger picture or the state of the game and tactics, more about the details of how he gets his game over. He was so excited about it."

And it transpires that the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is also a fan of the oval game.

"He talked a lot about rugby as well, he loves rugby, and how we have to look forward because we pass the ball back. That's a great philosophy that he thinks applies to football."

Townsend presented Guardiola with a signed jersey and thinks that might be enough to get him cheering for the Scots in the Six Nations.

"He didn't say who he would be supporting, but he did get a signed Scotland jersey. He was pleased with that so hopefully he'll have one eye on Scotland."

Scotland haven't lifted the trophy since 1999, the final season of the Five Nations, after which Italy were introduced to the competition.