Tait takes his leave from defensive post

Scotland defence coach Alan Tait is the latest member of former coach Ian McGeechan’s backroom staff to be released under the new regime at Murrayfield as Jim Telfer bade a final farewell to Scottish rugby.

The former SRU director of rugby and national coach enjoyed a final day at Murrayfield in an official capacity before his retirement.

New director of rugby Ian McGeechan presented his long-time friend and ally with a cake designed in the shape of the ex-Scotland international.

Telfer also received a bicycle from SRU staff to keep up his fitness duringretirement.

Both Telfer and McGeechan made speeches at the leaving party this morning where a video display of the former British Lions and Scotland coach’s career was shown.

But new international boss Matt Williams has told former Edinburgh Reivers man Tait that he will look after defensive duties for the RBS 6 Nations Championship next year.

The 39-year-old will now take control of Scotland age-group teams before his contract with the SRU expires next summer.

Tait said: “Matt Williams wants to take charge of Scotland’s defence himself so my contract won’t be renewed.

“That is part and parcel of professional sport which I have been involved in for 15 years but, at the same time, I realise I have to broaden my horizons anyway and look beyond defensive roles in fulfilling an ambition to coach. In that respect, all options are open.”

Tait made sporting history in 1998 when he returned to the Scotland national team after playing for Great Britain in rugby league.

But Tait has conceded the decision to allow him to leave the SRU could see him return to England.

He added: “Eventually I want day-to-day involvement with a team but in a coaching capacity.

“As a player, I had to be prepared to move and coaching works on the same lines.

“Although I am enthusiastic as I have always been about working with young players it is also the case that I must now actively look around for an opening in coaching.”

Tait joins former Scotland team manager Dougie Morgan in leaving Murrayfield.

The 56-year-old has retired from his post after being involved with the senior squad since 2000.

But the former British Lion believes the time is right for him to leave as the new Williams’ broom sweeps clean.

Morgan said: “Having been involved for more than 30 years as a player, coach and then manager at all levels I just feel the time is now right to stand down.

“I’ve been involved in most things, in fact everything really!

“I’ve been involved in seven World Cups – five full World Cups and also two seven-a-side World Cups either as a manager or a coach – so there comes a time when you have to look to the future and I think this is as good a time as any.”