By Andrew Collins
January 18 2006

Wales assistant coach Scott Johnsen looks set to leave the WRU following this years 6 Nations. The Australian has been heavily linked with the vacant national job, and his latest comments seem to imply that his departure in imminent.

Johnson arrived in Wales 5 years ago, and his hard work with Ruddock and Hanson turned a struggling Welsh side into the vibrant confident team, that go into this years tournament as reigning champions.

Having been linked with Australia and Leicester, Welsh fans were always worried about his future, and these latest comments seem to suggest that he will be leaving in March.

"It's a delicate area, the appropriate people are informed. It involves a few people at home in Australia. I'm not talking about job prospects here, but individuals and family members."

He is held in high regard by the Welsh public, and squad members are also very keen on the Auzzie import.

But his refusal to sign contracts has always worried fans. He is a man of his word and has the complete respect of the WRU. If he does leave, he will leave a hero and always welcomed back.

"I never sign contracts. I just shake hands and get on with it. That's my mentality, that's my personality."

It's thought he will become assistant to John Connelly in his native country, but will see out the 6 nations with Wales.

ac's Opinion:

His departure has been on the cards for the last year, and we knew he wouldn't be around forever. He will be a big loss if he does go, and replacing him will be near impossible.

His ability as a coach in not in doubt, and he has taught these boys to play beautiful rugby. The biggest shock is that he won't be able to see this team through until the 2007 Rugby World Cup, as it would've been a nice way for him to leave, seeing the team he built make Wales proud.