Rugby: Cuttitta in line to take charge of Scotland forwards for RBS Six Nations

Massimo Cuttitta, the 46-year-old Italian international prop who is Scottish rugby’s scrum coach was today moved closer to an expanded role in charge of the forwards for the RBS Six Nations Championship, writes BILL LOTHIAN.

The likelihood of a promotion for Cuttitta increased as Murrayfield chief executive Mark Dodson addressed the hiatus created by Andy Robinson’s departure in the wake of defeat by Tonga and a drop to 12th in the world rankings.

Said Dodson: “We could go out and get a forwards coach on a short-term basis. But we also have Massimo. He is much more than a scrum coach. Massimo could take a huge amount of pressure off whoever takes the role. He has been around the camp a long time and is a very experienced coach.”

Cuttitta’s CV includes two years in overall charge of Italian clubs Amatori and Leonessa before being brought in to assist Edinburgh by then Capital coach, Lynn Howells.

Hiss scrummaging knowledge soon saw him attached to the Scotland squad and Dodson added: “We are just reflecting on where we are and what options are open to us. People forget that although it has been the topic of everyone’s conversations it is only a week since Andy stepped down.”

Fears exist that the vacant head coach post might prove unattractive but Dodson said: “A good number of CVs have come in and I have been impressed with the quality. They are still coming in but they have been outstanding.”