As reported last week, Stuart Smith, the 21-year-old who plays centre for Glasgow Hawks, is to take up a rugby scholarship with Waikato in New Zealand – and could qualify to play for the All Blacks. Stuart had attracted the attention of Glasgow and was to be considered for an apprentice contract, but the SRU felt they were unable to afford a deal due to financial constraints.
Hawks' Hugh Barrow told The Hearld: "He was told that the offer from the New Zealand people would remain on the table until November 30, but Stuart clearly wanted to make a career in his homeland and he has the talent to do that.
"He was told by Glasgow that he would be considered for an apprentice contract at £6000 a year but, unfortunately, the SRU decided that, because of the financial constraints they are currently suffering, they could not afford to make an offer to Stuart.
"He is now about to return to Hamilton to take up his offer from them. It's sad this has happened and it sends out all the wrong signals.
"Here we have a young kid from Bearsden, who has risen through the Scottish system, and the SRU are allowing him to go to New Zealand, where, theoretically, he could become qualified to represent the All Blacks.
"On the other hand, we have Ben MacDougall, a man who has spent all his life in Australia, being signed on an expensive contract, despite the drugs issue and the fact nobody knows whether he will be any good in the union code."
He added: "The bottom line is that the SRU should be encouraging the likes of Stuart Smith rather than Ben MacDougall, but there is a total lack of direction in the game. They are all hiding behind the Genesis Review, which is turning into an excuse to do nothing."
You can read the Herald article here