The article raises the problems faced by many clubs as they struggle to finance huge cross-country journeys, and persuade players to make themselves available for such trips. A number of clubs wish to return to regionalisation to address the problem.
The article goes on to raise the thorny issue of franchising of the professional teams. Ferrie writes that Phil Anderton, the SRU's commercial and marketing director, was forced to admit that, as things stand, should any one of the Borders, Edinburgh or Glasgow sides raise extra money through their supporters or commercial backers, it is not guaranteed to be spent on their team, but will be returned to the Murrayfield coffers to be distributed as the SRU sees fit.
Ferrie writes that Scotland's professional teams will not move on until they develop competitive cultures throughout their organisations.