Former Scotland wing Kenny Logan urges Scott Johnson appointment

Andy Robinson quit on Sunday

Matt McGeehan
Tuesday 27 November 2012 05:58 EST
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Andy Robinson's side lost 10 of their last 13 Tests
Andy Robinson's side lost 10 of their last 13 Tests (Getty Images)

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Scott Johnson could find himself in charge of Scotland for the RBS 6 Nations with the Scottish Rugby Union advised to name the Australian as successor to Andy Robinson on an interim basis.

Robinson resigned on Sunday following Saturday's 21-15 loss to Tonga in Aberdeen, a result which saw Scotland fall to 12th in the world rankings following 10 losses in 13 Tests.

Johnson took up his position as senior assistant coach, with primary responsibility for attack, following the 2012 Six Nations whitewash, but could occupy the top role for the February 2 Calcutta Cup clash with England at Twickenham.

Former Scotland wing Kenny Logan, who won 70 caps until 2003, told Press Association Sport: "I wouldn't rush into getting somebody before Christmas. I'd let the team sweat and see how they perform under Scott Johnson.

"It would be silly to try to get a coach for the start of the Six Nations.

"Do what England have done, see how the players react and what happens."

Stuart Lancaster was interim boss for England following Martin Johnson's departure before being handed the full-time role.

Along with Johnson, Sean Lineen is a candidate for any caretaker position.

Lineen, who won the Grand Slam with Scotland in 1990, is also already a Scottish Rugby Union employee, as head of player acquisition, after being switched from his role as Glasgow Warriors head coach.

Robinson's coaching team of Johnson, defence coach Matt Taylor, scrum coach Massimo Cuttitta and kicking coach Duncan Hodge remain in post.

Johnson, or Lineen, could be given the opportunity to prove their credentials while a global search for suitable candidates is conducted.

It is understood expressions of interest have already been made and the formal process could begin by the end of this week.

Led by SRU chief executive Mark Dodson, discussions over Robinson's successor have begun, with Nick Mallett, Jake White, Todd Blackadder, Wayne Smith and Bryan Redpath rumoured contenders.

Some have commitments elsewhere, meaning an interim appointment would make sense.

Scotland's current predicament is not solely the responsibility of Robinson, according to Logan, who believes more must be done to reform the game in Scotland from grassroots level up.

Having just two professional clubs, in Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh, may be a factor hampering the Scotland team.

"It's really hard for a coach to do the Scotland job," Logan said.

"You can't keep blaming coaches when you haven't got the resources. It's another alarm bell.

"There are two teams; they need more people playing rugby."

PA

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