Blackadder joins Scotland staff

Blackadder will honour his playing contract with Edinburgh

Former All Blacks captain Todd Blackadder is aiming to return Scotland to the top of international rugby after being named assistant to new national coach Matt Williams.

The 32-year-old Blackadder has been praised for his work as a player and coach with Edinburgh, having joined the pro-team in November 2001.

Now he will initially assist Williams for the remainder of the 2003-04 season, but the Scottish Rugby Union hope to extend his involvement beyond that.

Blackadder said: "I'm very much looking forward to working with Matt and coaching the Scotland forwards. It's going to be a great challenge.

"My vision for the Scotland team? We have to get Scotland back to where I believe Scotland should be - and that's at the top of world rugby.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work, sacrifices and dedication and I certainly believe that we have the players here to do that."

Todd's leadership and integrity will be an example to Scotland's players Scotland coach Matt Williams

Blackadder enjoyed a distinguished 11-year career in New Zealand rugby, during which he captained Canterbury Crusaders to successive Super 12 titles in 1998, 1999 and 2000 and wore the All Blacks jersey 25 times, 12 in Test matches and 10 as captain.

He has recently also been helping BT Premiership Division One side Currie after being assigned there as a player during the integrated tournament but will now turn his attention to the national side.

Williams, who takes over from Ian McGeechan following a disappointing World Cup campaign, said: "Todd was my first choice from day one to be assistant coach and I'm delighted to confirm his appointment.

"Todd's leadership and integrity will be an example to Scotland's players.

"His experience as a winning captain in International rugby with the All Blacks, and as a winning captain in both the Super 12 and NPC with Canterbury, will be invaluable to our squad.

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"You only need to look at the affect he has had on young and seasoned professionals alike at Edinburgh, and to the improvement he has brought to their game, to understand the significance of his appointment.

"Todd will continue to play for Edinburgh for the remainder of his playing contract, which expires at the end of May.

"The only fixtures he may miss on the playing side are those Gunners' matches that fall on the weekends of the RBS Six Nations Championship.

"I have spoken to Edinburgh coach Frank Hadden and chief executive Jim McKenzie on Todd's appointment and, though we are all part of the same organisation designed to bring success for Scotland on the international stage, I want to thank them publicly for their support.

"At present, Todd's work permit from the Home Office is until the end of May 2004. We will undertake the appropriate procedures thereafter."

Williams will announce further appointments to his coaching staff later this month.