The Great Leader Series No. 3 - Frank Hadden

Frank Hadden is not an historic great leader but if he continues as he has been doing he may well become a great and renowned leader within the world of Rugby Union.

Already Scottish rugby fans think of him as a great leader as he seems to have turned the present Scottish Rugby team into winners, at least as far as the Calcutta Cup is concerned. After being confirmed as coach in September 2005, he has turned the Scottish Rugby team into a happy well motivated group.

But who is Frank Hadden? He was born in Dundee 14 June 1954. He was educated at Dundee High School, before moving on to Strathclyde University and then to Leeds, to Carnegie School of Physical Education. He became a teacher!

He played rugby but he did not shine too much, although he did make the First Xl at Headingly!

But he became an excellent coach. He taught at a private school and coached the school team (Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh) to a dominant position in Scottish schools rugby. He was known as an outstanding schools coach and became known not just because of that, but because his tactics were different. He suggested that the teams played a very open game; at times encouraging his players not to kick the ball.

In 2000, Frank took the position of head coach of Edinburgh. This is when he gave up teaching. Edinburgh quickly became the first team from Scotland to make the quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup, in 2004.

By this time, he had taken charge of Scotland’s under-16 and under-18 national teams.

Prior to this he had been included in Scotland’s 1998 tour of Australia, as technical coach….he had a talent for developing skills and analysis. Jim Telfer, former coach of the Scotland national team said in “The Scotsman”, on 17 September 2005, “Frank was an outstanding schools coach who caught the eye not only because his teams were successful, but because he was different.”

He also said in the same interview with David Ferguson, Chief Rugby writer with “The Scotsman”, “Technically, he’s the best coach we’ve had in Scotland for years…..Frank deserves the chance”

So in what way is Frank Hadden different?  According to Lewis Stuart, with “TIMESONLINE” (27 February 2006) “Frank has removed the fear factor from his players and given them the freedom to go out and do what ever comes naturally.”

Not only has he done that, he has also encouraged a feelgood environment, he feeds the players’ egos.

The previous administration of the Scottish side appears to have created some of its own problems; the team and the coach were not on speaking terms.

Hadden has also left the administrations of the Scottish professional club sides to do all core jobs; something they haven’t been trusted to do in the past.

The consequences of his approach have produced a confident group who expect to win.

Lewis Stuart writes “he brought the fun back into training and playing. He wants the ball moved around but trusts the players to work out the details and react to what in front of them. The players love it. You cannot have a conversation with one of them without him telling you how enjoyable it all is.”

After Scotland’s defeat by Ireland on Saturday, 12 March 2006, one might be forgiven for not accepting that Frank Hadden is a great leader, but I don’t accept that. His comments on BBC Sport, on the internet, make interesting reading. He is disappointed, as I suppose many of the Scottish supporters are, but he has analysed the game and seen where the errors were made. He details the lack of accuracy and the poor performance in the line-outs as areas on which to work before next weekend. But the game was scrappy and without tries. The rain was appalling and, while I agree that the Irish had the same external problems, they didn’t play brilliantly. Without the amazing kicking skills of Ronan O’Gara would the Irish still have won? The Scottish defence was excellent. The game itself was boring and uninspired….kicking from one end of the pitch and back again.

Frank Hadden has not complained about his team, indeed he has said “…. it was another magnificent effort from our lads.”  He still seeks to encourage them. He has empowered them with his approach.

Frank Hadden trusts his players.

Date : 14-03-2006