The former Edinburgh Gunners chief was without back-row forwards Scott Gray (thigh), Andrew Wilson (calf) and Andy Miller (leg) as he began preparations for the autumn Tests.

Leeds Tykes pair, prop Gavin Kerr (thigh) and stand-off Gordon Ross, who is recovering from his exertions in the Powergen Cup defeat by Llanelli Scarlets, also had to sit out the session.

Edinburgh Gunners trio Mike Blair, Dougie Hall and Alastair Kellock, Glasgow Warriors' wing Rory Lamont and Border Reivers' prop Bruce Douglas only had limited training.

Hadden drafted Edinburgh stand-off Phil Godman and front-row forward Alasdair Dickinson into the squad, along with Glasgow Warriors' prop Lee Harrison and scrum-half Sam Pinder.

The Scotland coach is trying to strike a rapport on and off the field to bring international rugby success back to the country as he prepares for the autumn Tests in November.

Hadden is looking to generate a new feel-good factor within the squad after replacing Matt Williams, who was sacked in March, and is pleased at the progress already being made but recognises the need to cultivate strong relationships with club managers.

He said: I got a real buzz out of the training session.

I havent really worked with some of the players before so it was good to put my views over to them.

We have some outstanding talents and Im just trying to get a feeling for the entire squad.

We are blessed with some real talents and Im looking to mould a team. Its exciting for me.

But, off the field is important as well. Gordon Ross played for Leeds so he didnt train with us.

Weve said to clubs we wont make guys train the day after games, so Phil Godman came in for Gordon.

I have already spoken to most of the coaches of Scottish players in England and they are particularly delighted I have taken the effort to do that. Its really important for us.

Gordon desperately wanted to train but weve told clubs we wont do that.

If word got out, then we would lose the trust we are trying to establish.

Hadden is relishing the challenge of turning Scotlands fortunes around after his official appointment last month.

But he remains coy on the subject of the national captaincy after Gordon Bullochs retirement from the international arena ahead of the series against New Zealand, Argentina and Samoa.

Hadden added: We are no further down the line on the captaincy.

Were waiting to see how things develop as we have a number of very strong candidates and will make a decision on that soon.

As for the games ahead, we have some great challenges, never mind the All Blacks.

Argentina are very much a growing power and a very under-rated international force. They have a fantastic junior set-up.

I have been there a couple of times myself and I know how good they are.

There are a number of sides working incredibly hard to challenge the big five of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England and France and that is one of our aims.

Samoa are another tough test. I expect them to be able to put out a first-class side.

They are a totally different challenge to Argentina and New Zealand and thats the excitement of international rugby.