Hadden steps down

Hadden: Stepped down

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Scotland head coach Frank Hadden has stepped down from the position with immediate effect, Scottish Rugby announced on Thursday.

The decision was taken following a meeting of the Scottish Rugby Board and comes after Hadden's side finished fifth in the Six Nations table, scoring only one victory against Italy.

Scottish Rugby chief executive, Gordon McKie, said: "Following a presentation at today's Scottish Rugby Board, covering a review of the Scotland performance in the RBS 6 Nations Championship, it was agreed with Frank Hadden that a change in head coach is required to allow us to plan fully for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

"On behalf of the board, I have thanked Frank for his hard work and commitment during his term as national coach."

His position had been under threat after Scotland failed for a third straight season to achieve their minimum target of two Six Nations victories.

They have finished in the bottom two of the tournament five times in the last six years, which is the same record as Italy.

Scotland's 26-12 Calcutta Cup defeat by England in the final game of this season's competition was their 12th loss in their last 16 matches.

Preparation

Following that game, Hadden nevertheless claimed he had a squad capable of winning the Six Nations but that Scotland lacked the preparation time enjoyed by the likes of England, Ireland and Wales.

He said: "I honestly believe that we can win the championship with this squad.

"We have a squad of players that is capable of being very competitive at the very highest level but I am frustrated we don't get the preparation time we want.

"I still believe we have a squad capable of doing something, with the proper preparation and the time to develop.

"The fact (other teams) have the control over the players they do makes life much easier for them.

"The two teams with the poorest preparation are at the wrong end of the championship. That's a fact.

"There's absolutely no doubt. England have had eight weeks' continuous preparation, whereas our guys have been going back and forward (to their clubs)."

Scotland captain Mike Blair said the players themselves should shoulder the responsibility for their poor results rather than the coach.

"It's individual basic errors that are letting the opposition into the game," he said.

"That's not something the coaching staff can deal with. That's for the players to deal with."

Fresh start

Formerly coach of Edinburgh Gunners, Hadden offered a fresh start when he was handed the role in September 2005 after Matt Williams had been sacked the previous April.

In just over two years at the helm, the latter had presided over a record that read just three Test victories - against Samoa, Japan and Italy - in 17 matches played.

After Williams' departure, Hadden served an interim spell as coach for two summer friendlies in which Scotland beat the Barbarians and Romania.

Scottish Rugby will begin the recruitment process for a new head coach with immediate effect.