HARD HITTING VIEW

The SRU confirmed during the week that Scott Johnson would leave his role as Director of Rugby at the end of the Six Nations in 2019 to take up an equivalent role in Australia.

It’s hard to believe Johnson will have spent the best part of seven years in Scottish rugby, since Andy Robinson brought him in to assist in 2012.

Johnson took over from Robinson when the head coach was fired following the humiliating defeat by Tonga in Aberdeen, continuing until Vern Cotter came into the role.

Johnson’s role as a coach of the national team was far from successful and he was a master of the soundbite – rivalling the likes of Jose Mourinho for eclectic remarks.

It seemed Johnson enjoyed the limelight and played to his reputation, which had the effect of Marmite.

Some loved his quirkiness while others, perhaps focusing more on what he was delivering on the field (or not, as was the case), found the Aussie somewhat of an irritant and inclined to listen to his own advice rather than that emerging from other sources.

However, all this changed when Vern Cotter took over with Scotland.

Johnson “moved upstairs” at Murrayfield, then was hardly seen.

He began to work on the Academy structure in Scotland, something that was decades behind by comparison to other countries.

‘ Aussie Johnson’s time in Scotland had a marmite effect

He should take credit for this. The national team is now beginning to see the benefits, albeit the success is creating other challenges, in particular, how to give these academy players enough game time.

Reading the summary of Johnson’s time in Scotland, it appears that his Marmite effect is being reflected in his departure.

Many who have worked closely with the Australian have nothing but good words to say about him, praising his knowledge and insights into the game.

Others, however, feel he has taken much of the credit that should have been shared amongst others.

As a role, the accountabilities of the director of rugby were never clearly defined outside of the SRU itself.

That’s slightly strange, given the importance of the role to the wider game across the country.

It would be good to see more, should the post remain.

Johnson’s departure creates an interesting situation for Mark Dodson and his team at the SRU.

Should they replace the Australian and, if so, with whom?

There are no obvious internal successors for the role, which should go to someone with an excellent understanding of the game and a global perspective.

So if Dodson does choose to replace Johnson, he will have to start searching soon.