When the coach becomes the story the story usually ends sharply John Beattie Former Scotland player Beattie's verdict on Williams

He described such reports as "simply inaccurate", insisting that he felt his position was secure.

BBC Scotland understands Williams will not be in charge by the time of this year's autumn Tests.

But Williams told The Scotsman: "The wealth of negative, inaccurate comment has made the positives of the (Six Nations) tournament impossible."

BBC Scotland understands that his role will be under review at a series of Six Nations de-briefing meetings at Murrayfield over the next two weeks.

The views of the media and supporters, among others, will be discussed after another poor Six Nations campaign.

Williams added: "We are totally committed to the next World Cup."

The Scottish Rugby Union refused to confirm or deny that a decision had already been made to sack Williams.

He was a breath of fresh air and his team did score some cracking tries - Unfortunately he is his own worst enemy From D Have your say on Scrum V

"We are not going to comment on media speculation - that is all this is," a statement from the SRU read.

"There is a standard process at the end of every tournament and that process is ongoing. Until it is completed we will not be fuelling media speculation.

"There was a meeting between the coach and director of rugby today but that is a regular occurrence."

Scotland have lost 14 out of the 17 Test matches they have played under Williams' reign.

The pressure has increased on Williams after Scotland recorded just one win - over Italy at home - in this season's Six Nations Championship.

Former players and rugby analysts in the media have been clamouring for Williams to be sacked.

One obstacle to that course of action is the cost of paying the Australian off.

Williams has a contract until after the 2007 World Cup, while the SRU is several million pounds in debt.

Nonetheless, it appears that he will not survive in the post beyond the end of March.