Scotland are currently in the bottom of the international barrel rugby union after another hugely disappointing campaign in the 2009 Six Nations tournament.

They finished just above wooden spoonists Italy and ended the campaign with a 26-12 defeat by England. After a comprehensive post-tournament review it came as no surprise when coach Frank Hadden was relieved of his duties.

Whereas Ireland, England and Wales have been making steady progress, Scotland once again failed to attain their stated minimum objective of two victories in the Six Nations Championship. Indeed, by the end of the 2009 tournament they had lost 12 of their previous 16 international matches.

As of 2009, Scotland had finished in the bottom two of the Six Nations five times in six years and they also endured a disappointing campaign at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

The stated intention is to build a squad capable of making a big impact at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, but it is fair to say that they still have some way to go if they are to make such a quantum leap in form in the interim.

Scotland have some outstanding players in their ranks, but in order to build a platform to provide success on a consistent basis, fresh talent needs to be brought through the ranks and gradually introduced to the rigours of international rugby as opposed to being thrown in at the deep end.