In today's Herald, Kevin Ferrie reports that the SRU and Premiership clubs are trying resolve a dispute over the demands for players being made by the professional teams, who are also understood to be under pressure from the national team management not to field some of their internationalists early in the season. It's thought that the national management have requested that up to five Glasgow players miss the first few games of the season.
Premier One Forum officials thought that they had reached an agreement that would restrict the calls from the pro teams for club players, but they are now being warned that a combination of injuries and unavailability could see their squads stretched with the competitive season just a week away. The new protocol also meant that no full-time contracted players would compete in the Premiership this season.
"It was agreed that, including players on apprentice contracts, no more than two players would be called up for any professional game," said Kenny Hamilton, secretary of the Forum.
"Since then though, they have also contracted players to back-up squads and teh line being given to clubs is that because of employment law we cannot denythem a chance to make a living."