Listen to the full chat above via the podcast

The natural ebbs and flows of sporting performance notwithstanding, Irish rugby is in a relatively strong place.

Yet as rugby writer, broadcaster and author of The Grudge Tom English reminded us, as recently as the 1990s Irish rugby lurched from crisis to crisis.

And that is where Scottish rugby is right now.

The recent 20 - 0 Six Nations defeat to England seems to be characterized as a nadir for the Scottish national team, although our other guest Andy Nicol believes the reaction to that result has been exaggerated and that perspective is needed.

But both English and Nicol believe there are short and long term problems to solve.

One of the short-term issues is the role of current Scotland head coach Scott Johnson who is set to become the nation's first ever Director of Rugby whose response to recent defeats was branded "flippant" by English.

"The first remark he made after the press conference in the England match was a gag. He was joking and it went down like a lead balloon. He doesn't seem to appreciate the disillusionment and anger that's out there," said English.

"His track record does not suggest that he's a man to do the job. No matter what happens in the next three [Six Nations] matches, Scott Johnson is still going to get a promotion at the end of it. He's still going to be Director of Rugby above [incoming head coach] Vern Cotter. This is rewarding failure."

In terms of long-term issues, there are only two provincial sides, with Border Reivers having been disbanded in 2007.

Nicols and English discussed whether a third district or provincial team, to add to Glasgow and Edinburgh, is a viable option for Scottish rugby, while Nicol explained why he thinks Scottish players are not being developed properly. 

 

Image: Scotland captain Kelly Brown and head coach Scott Johnson ©INPHO/James Crombie