Sean Maitland backs Todd Blackadder for Scotland post

SCOTLAND’S new Kiwi recruit Sean Maitland has endorsed his old coach Todd Blackadder as an ideal candidate to replace Andy Robinson, but does not believe that the SRU would succeed in luring him back, writes David Ferguson.

The Crusaders winger worked under Blackadder, now 41, throughout his Super Rugby career after the former All Blacks skipper left roles with Edinburgh and Scotland to return home in 2007 and then joined his old province Canterbury in 2009.

He said: “Toddy is a very passionate coach who wears his heart on his sleeve and knows the game inside out, and I know he had a great time when he was here in Scotland. My feeling is that, if Scottish Rugby was to make a move for him it would be a very good decision and he would certainly be a good coach to have in the game here. But, having said that, I don’t think you’ll move him from the Crusaders until he has won the Super Rugby Championship. That is a huge thing for him and he is very focused on that.”

Another Kiwi being touted for the role is Wayne Smith, who also has Scottish ancestry.

“I haven’t worked as much with Wayne Smith,” said Maitland, when asked for  his opinion of the former  All Blacks backs coach.

“He is a well-respected coach in New Zealand as well. He’s very good technically and when you look at what he has done with the Chiefs, helping take them to the Super Rugby title in his first year back, you can see what kind of a coach he is.

“If there was a chance of either of them coming across and taking on a role with Scotland I think Scotland should grab it, but then I’m sure there are other coaches here who would like that chance, too.”