Rugby: Hadden makes clean break from SRU

Published on Thursday 25 June 2009 10:08

Frank Hadden was today keeping all his options after it was revealed he is making a clean break from the Scottish Rugby Union.

The former national coach, who was dismissed at the end of last season, had been tipped for various posts while remaining within the Murrayfield set-up.

But, a statement released today by Scottish Rugby makes it clear Hadden wishes to explore other possibilities.

Hadden, a qualified PE teacher, was unavailable for comment, although remarks attributed to him in a press release hint that he will not be lost to rugby.

"I have been coaching professional rugby since the end of the amateur era and it's time now to take a step back and review what I do next" Hadden is quoted as saying.

The SRU statement says: "Scottish Rugby can confirm today that Frank Hadden, who stepped down as Scotland head coach after a review at the end of the 2009 RBS 6 Nations Championship, has decided to leave its employment and seek new challenges."

After noting how Hadden coached Scotland to 18 victories from 43 internationals in charge the SRU go on to pay fulsome tribute led by Chief Executive Gordon McKie, who said: "I want to place on record Scottish Rugby's gratitude for Frank's utmost dedication and commitment.

"Frank was, and remains, first and foremost a passionate follower of the Scotland team and he always knew the honour and great responsibility that goes with the post of Scotland head coach.

"Prior to Frank's appointment, Scotland had not won an away international against a top tier southern hemisphere nation since 1982 and we had only recorded one victory over England in 16 matches.

"Frank can be rightly proud of coaching Scotland to our first ever Test victory in Argentina; of securing wins against four of our five opponents in the RBS 6 Nations Championship; beating current Grand Slam champions Ireland in our preparations for RWC 2007; of ensuring Scotland maintained its tremendous record of always qualifying for the knockout stages of every Rugby World Cup; and, most memorably, plotting back-to-back Murrayfield Calcutta Cup triumphs."

Hadden is further quoted, saying: "It was a huge honour to be invited to coach the Scotland under-16s in 1992 and it has been a privilege to work with Scottish players at all levels since then. Everyone knows that coaching our national team is a tough job but I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take up the challenge and wish (successor) Andy Robinson the best of luck."

From 2000-2005 Hadden coached Edinburgh and been linked with a possible return to the centrally run team who are currently looking for Robinson's replacement as well as the new Director of Performance role.