Defence coach Graham Steadman to leave Scotland set-up

Robinson and Steadman will no longer work together with Scotland after the summer

Graham Steadman's contract as Scotland defence coach will not be renewed at the end of the season.

The Scottish Rugby Union is refusing to comment, but BBC Scotland understands that the 50-year-old will not remain in the post after his deal expires.

Steadman has been part of Scotland's national coaching staff for four years.

It was announced in December that Scott Johnson would become head coach Andy Robinson's senior assistant in time for Scotland's summer tour.

Australian Johnson, who currently coaches Ospreys in Wales, will join the set-up ahead of June's trip to Australia, Fiji and Samoa.

But it was not known until now that his arrival would coincide with the departure of Englishman Steadman.

The news comes amid media criticism of attack coach Gregor Townsend for Scotland's lack of tries, Robinson's side having failed to cross the line in their last four games.

Steadman, a former Great Britain, York Wasps, Featherstone Rovers and Castleford rugby league player, was recruited by Robinson's predecessor, Frank Hadden.

However, Robinson has allowed his defence coach to work with English Premiership side Sale Sharks two days a week since September 2010.

Asked about its defence coach's future, an SRU spokesman told BBC Scotland: ''We don't comment on individual contracts."

Scotland will attempt to recover from their opening Six Nations face in-form Wales in Cardiff on Sunday.