The man leading the hunt for Scotland's next national coach has announced himself delighted at the quality of candidates who have applied for the role.
The process has reached the second round of interviews, with Mike Brewer one of the men who has already been ruled out.
The former All Black captain applied for the position but, after failing to reach the second interview stage, resigned as Scotland’s forwards coach.
Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Gordon McKie said: “The quality of the applicants has been first class and we are delighted to be moving into the second phase with our short listed candidates.
“The second stage of interviews will take place over the coming weeks and will be led by the selection panel which includes Scottish rugby greats Gordon Bulloch, Andy Nicol and Andy Irvine.”
Frank Hadden stepped down from the post after another poor RBS 6 Nations in which Scotland won just once, against hapless Italy.