Johnson gives up coach post but stays with Scots

Australia's Scott Johnson will vacate his position as Scotland interim head coach to take up a new post as the Scottish Rugby Union's director of rugby, it was announced Friday. Johnson, who guided Scotland to a creditable third place in this season's Six Nations, "will remain as as head coach of the national team until that position is filled and will continue to have involvement with the Scotland team through until the 2015 Rugby World Cup and beyond," the Scottish union said in a statement. Many within the Scottish game had wanted Johnson to continue as coach of the national side but he had hinted previously at a broader role, particularly one involving the preparation of coaches and that was reflected in his comments on Friday. "I've really enjoyed working with the players throughout the past year and I'm looking forward to that continuing with our quadrangular tournament in South Africa next month," Johnson said. "The director of rugby job excites me. It's about making a really positive contribution that will stand Scottish Rugby in good stead for years to come and I am looking forward to the challenge of the new role as well as continuing with the Scotland team. "There are some big areas such as coach development, player development, sevens and player acquisition, where, working with colleagues throughout Scottish Rugby, I want to do my bit to ensure we make best use of the talents we have to take the game in this country forward." Johnson joined the Scotland coaching staff ahead of last year's successful tour of Australasia but took charge on an interim basis after Andy Robinson resigned following Scotland's defeat by Tonga in November. From: AFP