Rugby: Scott Johnson is caught up in Welsh furore

At the end of 2011 it was announced from Murrayfield that Australian Johnson, who is currently in charge at Swansea-based Ospreys, would be arriving after the Six Nations Championship to assist Scotland head coach Andy Robinson.

However, Welsh rugby legend Jonathan Davies, who hails from the Ospreys region, is insisting: “Now would be a natural time for him to leave straight away.

“He has has made the decision to leave the Ospreys.

“The Ospreys need to make a decision and for me that would be leave Scott Johnson (to) go tomorrow.

“He can either go with Scotland now or have a rest and put the two coaches, Sean Holley and Jonathan Humphreys, in position and give them their head.”

Some believe that Johnson is already having an impact on Scottish rugby because his role includes helping expand the available player pool.

Since the announcement Welsh under-20 cap Steven Shingler has dramatically switched allegance due to a Dumfries-born mother and the arrival of this “Tartan Taff” subject to IRB approval might be seen as something of a dowry from Johnson.

However, it appears Ospreys are intent on holding on to Johnson for the duration of his contract.

• There are 12 Edinburgh-based players in a 40-man squad from which Scotland’s team for the opening Under-20 international with England at Firhill, Glasgow, on Friday February 3 will be chosen.

They include Currie hooker Fergus Scott, brother of Edinburgh star, Matt, who yesterday signed a contract extension.