SRU dismisses Williams 'speculation'

The Scottish Rugby Union has dismissed as “media speculation” reports that national coach Matt Williams is to be replaced.

Scotland have lost 14 of their 17 Tests under the Australian’s charge and their miserable RBS 6 Nations campaign ended with a 43-22 defeat to England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Scotland’s performance in the ournament is currently being reviewed by the SRU but some reports claim a decision has already been made to end Williams’ tenure before the autumn Tests.

The SRU said in a statement: “We are not going to comment on media speculation. That is all this is.

“There is a standard process at the end of every tournament and that process is ongoing. Until that process is completed we will not be fuelling media speculation. There was a meeting between the coach and director of rugby but that is a regular occurrence.”

Williams has come under increasing fire in recent weeks with reports circulating that not all players were happy with his regime.

Scotland managed to win just one of their Six Nations games and a number of former internationals have called for Williams’ removal.

Ex-Scotland and British Lions number eight John Beattie feels, as a foreigner, Williams has been subjected to a disproportionate level of criticism but does believe it may be time for a change.

Beattie told BBC Radio Five Live: “It’s typical Scottish small-mindedness. It is quite easy to give an excuse and blame an Australian import. There are exact parallels with Berti Vogts. You can easily blame and be quite cruel to somebody because they are from another country.

“I happen to believe he has run out of time because he has been losing the press and the public and, fundamentally, losing games. But because he was foreign he got a harder time than a Scot would get. Now it is time for some Scot to get in there and say ‘I will do this’.”