The Herald reports

KEVIN FERRIE January 06 2006

A year after the coup which removed him from office, the Scottish Rugby Union's former chairman has given Murrayfield's new management team a ringing endorsement by registering interest in investing in one of the professional teams.
The vote of no confidence in David Mackay's leadership by the general committee – then the sport's ruling body – took place last January 6, and the man who had previously transformed the fortunes of John Menzies plc, was embittered.
Yet his confidence in Andy Irvine, who took over as president in June, Allan Munro, who became chairman soon after, and Gordon McKie, the man they brought in as chief executive, has given him renewed hope in the sport's future.
While many wanted him to return to major office after the committee's subsequent overthrow and replacement with a new governance structure, Mackay told The Herald, in an exclusive interview marking the anniversary of the historic decision that ultimately brought the end of a century of committee rule, that a return to Murrayfield was never feasible. "You can't go back to the inner sanctum but that doesn't stop you contributing wherever you can," he said.
That would extend to putting his business and rugby knowledge behind one of the professional teams. "I would be willing to get involved if it was the right consortium and they had the proper backing."
Yet, despite of his on-going support of all the sport's traditional elements – clubs, schools and the national side – Mackay maintains the only way Scotland can remain competitive on the global stage is by backing the relatively modern development of the pro team tier.
He believes anyone considering backing them should consult with Brian Kennedy, Sale Sharks' owner who has joined the SRU board, and Roy Carver, an American-based businessman whom Mackay and Phil Anderton, the former SRU chief executive, met several times.
He indicated, however, that the most likely way of attracting investment would be through groups rather than individuals.
To stimulate such an interest, he knows the governing body must make something of a leap of faith, but believes the next stage in re-structuring the game's governance, due to be unveiled this month, should pave the way for that happening.
"The SRU have to have a stake, not a golden share or anything like that, but there must be some clear rules about availability of players and how the money the SRU put in is spent," said Mackay.
"Beyond that there are a lot of experts with different formulas that could suit different areas. They are also close to convincing the Scottish Executive and regional authorities they have more of a financial role to play than previously."
As to how ready Mackay would be to commit his own money to any such venture, he is cautiously interested.
"I might," he said. "You could end up with a situation where you had 100 small-time investors and 10 major, and the minute you have someone with their own money somewhere in the pot, they are going to work beyond the normal fashion.
"You don't go hunting any longer, but I am here if someone knocks on the door."

This article was posted on 6-Jan-2006, 09:10 by Hugh Barrow.