SCOTTISH Rugby Union chief executive Gordon McKie wants a new head coach in place by the middle of next month, but claims he won't be rushed into an appointment.

McKie is part of a five-man panel interviewing candidates for the role vacated by Frank Hadden last month.

Former England boss Andy Robinson, now with Edinburgh, is known to be on the SRU's shortlist, while South African Jake White and Australian Eddie Jones are also said to be in the frame.

"We're interviewing at the moment and that's keeping us busy," McKie said.

"In terms of timescales, I can't be specific. We'll make the announcement when we're ready. We'll not be rushed.

"We've got it down to between three and four individuals who we believe are very keen to take the matter forward. We're hoping to meet them soon."

BOXING: Floyd Mayweather fears Ricky Hatton will never be the same fighter following his two knockout defeats and must retire immediately.

Hatton crashed to his first career loss to Mayweather two years ago, succumbing in the 10th, and was battered inside two rounds by Manny Pacquiao earlier this month.

No decision has been made on Hatton's future but Mayweather, who meets Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas on July 18, has urged him to hang up his gloves.

"Ricky's career was over in 2007 when he met me," said Mayweather.

"He was a gutsy, tough champ but there's a time in every boxer's career when they must hang it up."