Scotland coaches get the chop
Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:23
The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) have announced changes to their national management team following a poor showing by Scotland in the recent Six Nations tournament.
Frank Hadden has survived the cull, and will continue in his position as head coach for the time being, but assistant coaches George Graham and Alan Tait have been relieved of their duties with the Scotland national team.
They will be replaced by former England coach Andy Robinson and Glasgow Warriors coach Sean Lineen.
The SFU released a media statement on the issue on Monday explaining their reshuffle ahead of the planned tour to Argentina.
Both Sean Lineen and Andy Robinson will continue to fulfill their current roles at Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh. The national management team will then be reviewed post the summer tour to Argentina.
Gordon McKie, Chief Executive, Scottish Rugby, said: "Following a review of our Six Nations performances and results, the board believe that Frank is still the best man to take the national team forward as head coach and build upon the overall progress that has been made in the last two and a half years or so.
"However, we also believe that our young squad is capable of making further progress with the injection of new coaching resource at this time."
Commenting on the alterations, national coach Frank Hadden said: "Scottish Rugby is facing some challenging games in the months ahead and I believe that now is the time to freshen up my management team.
"I am very much looking forward to working closely with Sean and Andy in the build up and during the tour to Argentina.
"They are two top quality coaches and there is no doubt in my mind that they will bring tremendous experience to the development of this young squad."
Discussions are underway with George Graham and Alan Tait in respect of identifying other suitable roles for them within Scottish Rugby.
