OSPREYS COACH SCOTT Johnson will join Scotland’s international set-up as senior assistant coach at the end of the current season, it has been confirmed.
The 49-year-old’s departure from the Welsh region was announced on Tuesday morning, having informed the Ospreys’ board of his decision in recent days.
“It is a huge disappointment for us to be losing Scott at the end of the season but we understand that he feels it is the right time for him to move on to other challenges having served the three years he committed himself to us for originally,” Ospreys’ Chief Operations Officer, Andrew Hore, said.
“As a region we have enjoyed success during his time with us but his biggest influence has been off the field, where he has played a major part in putting in place these new player and coach development structures while also having to deal with reducing the wage bill for the long-term good of the business. His work will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Ospreys.”
Johnson has been involved in the Australian, Welsh and US Eagles squads previously and will join up with Andy Robinson’s squad in time to be part of the summer tour to Australia, Fiji and Samoa.
“I am delighted Scott has agreed to join the Scotland coaching team,” Robinson said. “I have huge respect for him as a coach and a person having coaching against him on numerous occasions.”
Johnson himself added: “I’m excited by this challenge. Scotland is a country with a great history in rugby and, with Andy, there’s a real focus point to get it back to where it belongs on the world stage by creating something new and brighter.”