Hadden gets backing from stalwart Hogg

FRANK HADDEN has received strong backing from the heart of the team with 43-cap flanker Ally Hogg insisting Scotland's rugby coach will be in place at the start of next season.

An RBS Six Nations Championship campaign in which Scotland suffered four losses out of five has sparked a debate about the direction in which the national team is heading.

But Edinburgh skipper Hogg took time out from preparing for tomorrow's Celtic League clash at home to Connacht to provide support, saying: "I've just had my meeting with Frank.

"He is quite chirpy. It was about how we could have done things better and what went well. That sort of thing.

"Everyone is happy with Frank. We underachieved in what we wanted to do but that is professional sport – you don't always get everything you want.

"I would expect Frank back next season.

"If Frank is again to be involved I think the boys are happy with that."

While Scotland finished second bottom of the table, the tournament had highlights for Hogg who, after successfully regaining his place, notched his tenth international try to stand just one behind the record for a forward jointly held by John Jeffrey and Derek White.

But making it clear records were of secondary importance, Hogg said: "I'd rather I hadn't scored against Italy last Saturday and the team had won.

"I might get another try but first I have to ensure I continue to be picked." Ironically, the captaincy switches to Hogg from national skipper Mike Blair, a club-mate, tomorrow.

However, a smooth transition is expected with Hogg remarking: "Mike was a great leader even before he was made Scotland –captain.

"Nothing has really changed; it will be between the two of us to make the majority of decisions.

"And I'm sure we will cope fine." What Hogg is committed to altering is the customary faltering run-in to the Celtic League by Scottish teams.

"We all recognise that historically this is a time when Scottish teams struggle.

"Our best finish is fifth and we've set ourselves targets in a tight league where we are presently three points off second place while the seventh team is five points behind us."