Eric Milligan could be back in Hawks' colours in the Super CupIn addition agreement has been reached on the release of about a dozen pro players to participate in the tournament as they may not be on International duty. So far from being a 'Mickey Mouse' arrangement it does offer an opportunity for the best in Scottish Club rugby to show itself to the world. The media interest will be significant and at least one match each week will be recorded on broadcast standard film with the expectation that it will be picked up across the TV networks and will, most certainly, be used by the IRB for evaluation and education purposes.
So in the sure knowledge that national coaches across the globe will be watching, it is an opportunity for players, coaches and Scottish club rugby in general to show what it has to offer. Our first match is against Boroughmuir on 6th January 2007 at 3.00pm.
On the release of pro players – Hawks will have the services of Steve Swindall and last year's skipper Eric Milligan when available. Unfortunately Colin Shaw, who is also being made available, is to be loaned to Ayr.
Club International
Ian Rankin of Dundee will be the coach of the Club International side when it takes on Ireland in March. He will be assisted by the Anniesland orphan, George Breckenridge. Now, who will be in the team? As usual I am offering a bottle of Scotland's finest for the entry with most correct names in the squad which plays. E-mail entries to: hamilton.kenny@btinternet.com
Pro Team Dealings
The recent press coverage about the obviously strained relationship between Edinburgh Rugby and the SRU cannot be good news for the 2 other pro teams. The SRU statement which, in effect, confirmed that there was a problem with a gagging order of "it would be inappropriate for any of the relevant parties to make any further comment" will not inspire confidence from any potential investor. Presumably, in the absence of any interest from outside investors the speculation about the number of pro teams operating next season will kick in to overdrive.