Johnson to mentor Scots

Johnson to mentor Scots

20 Dec 2012

Scott Johnson has been named Scotland coach ahead of the 2013 Six Nations tournament and tour to South Africa.

The Australian was initially part of the Scotland set-up as the attack coach, and is now entrusted with the head coach duties. He replaces Englishman Andy Robinson, who resigned after Scotland lost all three of their November Tests.

Johnson will work alongside existing assistant coach Matt Taylor (defence) and specialists Duncan Hodge (kicking and catching) and Massimo Cuttitta (scrummaging) to prepare the team. An interim forwards coach will also be appointed in due course.

Following their Six Nations campaign, Scotland will journey to South Africa in June to participate in a quadrangular tournament involving the Springboks, Samoa and Italy.


8 Comments

  • 1.grant10: Reply to this comment
    20 Dec 2012, 17:10 pm

    Bloody Scots gave us a torrid time in that second half…

  • 2.bokfan1: Reply to this comment
    20 Dec 2012, 17:40 pm

    @grant10-1: They did!
    I feel for Andy Robinson – he improved them and they played some great games, but it must be frustrating for a coach to try so hard and see n consistent improvement in your side… (at least the Boks go up and down ;-) )

  • 3.gonzo: Reply to this comment
    20 Dec 2012, 19:23 pm

    Would Nick Mallet consider the job? And I’m surprised I haven’t heard Jake White say he wants the job :)

    @bokfan1-2: It’s a thankless job coaching Scotland. And you’re right, he didn’t do such a bad job at all. In fact, his 43% win rate is better than any Scotish or Italian coach since professionalism. And it’s actually better than his rate when he was with England! He probably fell on his sword knowing it wouldn’t get much better

  • 4.willievz: Reply to this comment
    20 Dec 2012, 19:32 pm

    @gonzo-3: Jake will only coach a national side capable of lifting the Webb Ellis.

    Namely NZ, SA, Aus, England. Possibly France.

    Lately, he has made very subtle noises about wanting to coach the Curry Yellows.

  • 5.Delki: Reply to this comment
    21 Dec 2012, 06:50 am

    Interestingly Scotland Scrum coach Massimo Cuttitta learnt his rugby in South Africa at Pinetown Boys High School, along with his twin brother Marcello. They both returned to Italy and went on to become legends of Italian rugby – Massimo was captain and most capped player and Marcello was top try scorer. They both played in about 3 world cups.

    Steve Atherton played in the same Pintetown Boys High School first team which was one of the most successful years the school ever had on the rugby field.

  • 6.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    21 Dec 2012, 09:52 am

    @gonzo-3:
    @willievz-4:
    yes agreed, thats my feeling on snakey jakey too.

  • 7.Big Hit: Reply to this comment
    22 Dec 2012, 21:18 pm

    Horrible choice by the SRU.

  • 8.Fatflanker: Reply to this comment
    28 Dec 2012, 11:33 am

    Johnson jumped ship on the USA, leaving them in the lurch – pretty poor form. A coach must have integrity and demonstrate commitment to his team. Mallet would have been a catch – what is he up to these days?

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