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September 27, 2007

Scotland's European Cup options

Following the demise of the Borders Pro side, Scotland’s two remaining Pro Teams will be allowed to participate in the Heineken (European) Cup this season with no representative in the 2nd tier Challenge Trophy.

Next season, if we want both pro teams in the Heineken (and to get the maximum revenue from the competition) we need to field 3 teams.

We suggested before that the options might include looking at a club select side or maybe the league champions. It would need a bit of thought about the structure of the season (already too long as it runs from August to May) and its impact on league fixtures etc. but surely that would be worth it to inject a bit of ambition back into club rugby?

Another option would be fielding a development side from the Scottish Rugby Academy – but I am not sure that it would be strong enough.

Club Internationals

Plans are afoot to develop the Club International programme across 5 of the 6 Nations. It seems likely that Scotland will play Ireland and Wales this season with a regular programme of 2 matches in subsequent seasons involving those countries as well as France and England.

A welcome development but we really need to think about how we accommodate this and the other competing pressures in a season that is already too long and too crowded.

World Cup Bet

With the help of a friend I placed a bet on Scotland to reach the semi-final of the World Cup. Odds are 8-1 against. I was later advised however that I only win if the team lose in the semi-final. I don’t mind if the Scotland team gets to the semi-final and I lose my bet.

Glasgow Hawks take on Dundee High School FP at Old Anniesland on Saturday (ko 3.00pm)

Comments
Posted by roy Comfort on October 10, 2007 02:04 AM | Reply to this comment

That's good thinking. A Scottish club side playing in the European Challenge Cup would be great for the clubs and players and it would help secure the SRU's income, which is currently based on having 3 teams in Euro competition, when we are now down to two.

I doubt that the IRB would buy an academy select or club select team though, it would open the door to all manner of national combinations. It would need to be the Premier 1 league winers and therein lies the problem. Would Premier 1 agree to reduce from 12 to 10 teams to create some extra space in the calendar? Dream on, I suspect. It will be an interesting test of club v country when they're asked.

Good news about the expanded club international schedule too, the honour and prestige of winning an amateur cap will be a great boon for ambitious club players.

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