New Zealand rugby
Blackadder rules out Scottish role
May 13, 2013
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, Stormers v Crusaders, Super Rugby, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa, May 7, 2011
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder's long-term ambitions lie with the All Blacks © Getty Images
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Todd Blackadder has brushed off speculation he is in line to coach Scotland and says he has plenty to prove at the helm of the Crusaders.

New Zealand pair Blackadder and Vern Cotter, the coach of successful French club Clermont Auvergne, have been reported as frontrunners for the vacant Scotland post by Scottish media.

Into his fifth season as Crusaders coach, Blackadder says he wants to lead the seven-time Super Rugby champion franchise to a first title under his watch. Beyond that, his international aspirations lie with the All Blacks.

"It (Scotland coach) is a fantastic job and a fantastic opportunity, but at the moment it's just mere speculation," he told LiveSport Radio. "At the moment my sole focus, after four years at the helm of the Crusaders, is just really focusing on trying to win a title. I'll do Super Rugby for as long as I can, to be successful of course, and then one day go on to coach the All Blacks."

Blackadder, 41, has an association with Scotland, having played for Edinburgh for four seasons before becoming assistant coach in 2005. He also was also the Scottish forwards coach that year. He says he hadn't been contacted by the Scottish Rugby Union and believes a coach with a longer track record would be suited to the role.

"What they really need is a really good experienced coach, someone who has been around the traps and give them that self-belief that they need," he said. "You've got to do your time. I'm really ambitious but I'm happy with the job that I've got and want to do well here."

Australian Scott Johnson, Scotland's rugby director, will continue in a caretaker role for the four-nation tournament in South Africa next month.

© AAP

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