SRU will not delay coach decision

The Scottish Rugby Union will not prolong a decision on a new head coach beyond the autumn Test series.

Speculation was rife that interim coach Frank Hadden would have to prove himself in the November games, which include the visit of New Zealand, Argentina and Samoa to Murrayfield.

The Edinburgh Gunners boss took charge of the national team following the sacking of Matt Williams in March and guided the Scots to wins over the Barbarians and Romania.

SRU chairman Allan Munro and the rest of the board of the governing body have set up a selection panel to consider the vacancy.

And Munro is determined to have a permanent successor for Williams appointed before the three-match series in November.

The Scottish hierarchy are also hoping to name a new director of rugby, to replace Ian McGeechan, who joined Wasps earlier this year.

Munro said: “We had a very positive first board meeting on Thursday – bearing in mind there were five new members of the board.

“One of the many things we discussed was to set up committees on the board, one of which was obviously a nomination committee.

“That committee will basically consist of two of the non-executives, interim chief executive Fred McLeod and myself. And two council members, in the shape of SRU president Andy Irvine and Archie Ferguson of the Lenzie and Dalziel club.

“One of the tasks facing us is we currently have an interim director of rugby and an interim coach, in the shape of Frank Hadden.

“In the case of the director of rugby, we will be advertising that position in the near future and will review applications as and when.

“In the case of the national coach, that committee will work, together with the likelihood of a couple of additions such as the new director of rugby, and SRU non-executive director Brian Kennedy, who clearly has a lot to offer.

“We will be advertising in due course – initially, we will advertise internally – and will review the position from there.

“And we will be looking to make an appointment in due course, quite clearly with the autumn Tests in mind.

“There will be an appointment befre the autumn Tests.”