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Hadden reveals new coaches

Monday 18th August 2008

All smiles: Hadden delighted with new recruits

Scotland boss Frank Hadden has announced two new recruits to the national set-up with Mike Brewer and Graham Steadman signing as Forwards and Defensive Coaches respectively.

Both men have spent recent years coaching in Ireland with former All Blacks captain Brewer at Leinster and Steadman working with Munster and then the national side.

"I'm absolutely delighted with the quality of the additional staff we have appointed to the National Management Team and to the Scottish Rugby coaching group," Hadden said.

"To secure the services of the ex-All Blacks captain, Mike Brewer, is a boost. He is now a very experienced coach having worked in club rugby in Ireland, England and Italy before becoming forwards coach for Leinster.

"Anyone who knows rugby will have been impressed by the progress Leinster, the reigning Magners League champions, have made up front during his three years in that role.

"Graham Steadman is among the most experienced defence coaches in the world having now spent five years in that position in rugby union with firstly Munster and then Ireland. That followed his 21-year-career as an international player and coach in rugby league.

Meanwhile, 43-year-old Brewer admitted his excitement about the potential Scotland possess over the coming seasons.

"I'm looking forward to working with Frank and the other coaches. Scotland have a young team, with a great work ethic and players who are very keen to learn," the 36-times capped back-row said.

"I think they have the potential to develop into a really good international side in the next three to four years."

Steadman, who will also undertake defence coaching with the Edinburgh pro-team, was also happy to have landed the role as they begin preparations for Scotland's Autumn Tests against New Zealand, South Africa and Canada.

"I have been an admirer of Scotland and the work that Alan Tait has undertaken in the last few seasons," Steadman praised.

"I look forward to being part of Frank's coaching team and to getting the players trust and buy-in to the defensive systems I'll look to put in place. The experience I've gleaned from involvement in both union and league will hold me in good stead.

"I'll also look forward to working alongside Andy Robinson and the coaching team with Edinburgh, it gives me a great opportunity to work with those players and also monitor the performances of Scottish-qualified players in the Magners League and Heineken Cup."