Al Kellock happy with Vern Cotter appointment

SCOTLAND lock Al Kellock believes the appointment of Vern Cotter as head coach proves the national team is on the right track.

The Scottish Rugby Union confirmed on Monday that Cotter will take over team affairs in June 2014, when his contract with Clermont Auvergne expires.

The 51-year-old was the SRU’s top choice for the job and he will bring with him an impressive CV, which includes winning the French title in 2010.

As far as Kellock is concerned, being able to land their No 1 target shows Scotland are a nation on the up.

He said: “His pedigree speaks for itself. He has an exceptional resume.

“I know enough about him to know he will be very good.

“We are in a very good place as far as moving forward is concerned.

“We finished third in the Six Nations and I think it’s a good time for Scottish rugby.

“To get a head coach like that shows the position we are in.”

As things stand, New Zealander Cotter will be on hand to assist interim head coach Scott Johnson and the coaching team with advice during the autumn Tests in November and the 2014 RBS Six Nations Championship before taking on the role full-time.

Kellock added: “We will get to know what he is looking for us to do and that’s probably the key thing when a new coach comes in.

“I’m sure he will come in with his own ideas and put them into place. We’ve got a fantastic team already.

“Vern will come in and, hopefully, we can keep taking steps forward.”