EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS

BILL LOTHIAN


SCOTLAND's rugby clubs are crying foul over what they claim are unfair attempts to pressure them into block-buying tickets for this season's opening Six Nations Championship clash with France at Murrayfield on February 5.

While clubs say they are being urged to sell more tickets to their members, it has emerged that the SRU are competing in the same marketplace by offering briefs to fans through an internet booking service.


One club source, who asked not to be named, said today he feared that if they did not take up their total allocation for the French visit then their entitlement for the more popular England game in Edinburgh on Saturday, February 25 would be cut.

"It appears the SRU are wanting to have their cake and eat it by demanding more of the clubs, yet offering our members the chance to buy off the internet.

"The French game was never going to be as popular after the authorities decided to hold the fixture on a Sunday, but interest in Scotland versus England looks like being as strong as ever.

"There have been veiled hints that if we don't buy more French tickets fewer for the Calcutta Cup will be pushed our way."

Concerns stem from a letter sent out this week by SRU chief executive Gordon McKie which has been made available to the Evening News and makes clear worries about the possible attendance for the French match.

The letter also attempts to distance the SRU from widespread criticism of the switching of the date to suit broadcasters. Mr McKie says: "It appears we have had an extremely disappointing take up from clubs for the game against France. As these tickets have been withheld from public sale in order to allow clubs first opportunity this is extremely disappointing and now leaves us with a substantial number of unsold tickets.

"I would urge you now to take up the balance of your allocation in full."

Mr McKie also states: "I would also remind clubs that the timing and date of individual matches is largely outwith our control."

That is a reference to broadcasting deals though critics claim that the SRU have input into any deals done.

Last November the Evening News revealed how sudden changes in SRU marketing policy had left clubs angry. Then, clubs were told their allocations for the Six Nations would be cut if they did not support the Autumn Tests - despite the fact the SRU had already appealed directly to many of their members for ticket sales.

This article was posted on 10-Jan-2006, 15:21 by Hugh Barrow.