SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Johnson gets big rap from Scotland boss

Australia's new director of rugby Scott Johnson has been hailed for his unrivalled global knowledge in the sport by his boss at Scottish Rugby.

rugby
Scott Johnson is Australia's new director of rugby. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

New Rugby Australia director of rugby Scott Johnson is a man with unrivalled global rugby knowledge according to the boss who will shortly lose his services.

Former NSW Waratahs and Australian under 21 five-eighth Johnson is a well-travelled coach.

He has temporarily held the head coaching spots with the Wales, United States, and Scotland national teams and was the Wallabies attack coach under John Connolly for the 2007 World Cup..

But it's Scotland where Johnson made his greatest mark. .

He joined Scottish Rugby in 2012 as part of Andy Robinson's national team coaching group.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Johnson became interim head coach in 2013 following Robinson's resignation.

In May 2013 when a new permanent coach was appointed, Johnson became director of rugby.

He has overseen a rise in the world rankings from 12th to fifth, Scotland's highest ever position, though they presently sit seventh.

"Scott has made a significant contribution to the development of elite rugby in Scotland and he leaves with our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the work he has done," Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson said.

"His unrivalled global rugby knowledge and connections at every level of the game have hugely benefited the development of how our game in Scotland has progressed in recent years."

Johnson will hold discussions with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika over matters such as his assistant coaching staff, before starting the job fulltime in March, once Scotland's Six Nations campaign ends.

"This has been a big decision but for me, right now, it is the right one to make," Johnson said.

At Rugby Australia, Johnson will focus on off-field areas including athletic performance, sports science, and sports psychology.

"We did an international scan of the market to work out who we feel was capable of doing this role," RA CEO Raelene Castle said.

"It's interesting to note that there isn't that many people that are capable of doing a role like this that have proven success and Scott is certainly one of those people so we believe it's a very good appointment."

Cheika will report to Johnson with both serving on a new national selection panel of three, with one other person to be named.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world