THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

McKie admits SRU debt could put a stop to Melrose bid for IRB sevens
GARETH BLACK
SCOTTISH Rugby Union chief executive Gordon McKie conceded yesterday that the governing body's crippling debt could undermine its ability to host a major international sevens event at Melrose next year.

The International Rugby Board [IRB] has invited the SRU to present a proposal to stage the final leg of the world sevens circuit in the Borders town where the seven-a-side game was invented. However, as first revealed in The Scotsman last week, the union's debt of £23 million has cast doubt on the project.

McKie said last night that it would be "an honour" to host the two-day climax of a circuit that currently takes in Dubai, George (South Africa), Wellington, Los Angeles, Singapore, London, Paris and Hong Kong. But he explained: "The harsh reality is that we have a debt of £23million and we have lost money in five out of the past six years.

"Accordingly we will have to make some tough decisions. Without some significant revenues, we can no longer afford to do everything we currently do - and that is before we even examine any fresh opportunities such as the Melrose proposal.

"We are also looking at the possibility of re-establishing the international A team after this summer's Churchill Cup in Canada."

The IRB views the Greenyards - where the abbreviated game was invented by Ned Haig in 1883 - as an attractive addition to its current circuit.

IRB chairman Syd Millar said last week: "Melrose has two things: it is the home of sevens and we wouldn't have to convince the Borders people that sevens is worth seeing. The Borders is also an absolute gem as far as tourism is concerned and so an event here would be great for attracting more visitors here and encouraging them to come back."

But McKie said yesterday: "It Is a great honour that the IRB have expressed their support for bringing one of the international sevens events to Melrose as soon as 2007 and we will give it serious consideration.

"There is no doubt it would be exciting for all involved, were it to happen, and I'm sure that Melrose would give the circuit a very warm welcome. But as we approach our next financial year, which begins next month, we need to clarify our priorities to ensure we don't face another serious budget deficit.

"That is something the SRU executive board will not shirk from addressing as it continues to carry out the review of rugby and other commitments both on and off the pitch.

"Looking forward, we plan to work much more closely with our valued sponsors and other partners and stakeholders such as the Scottish Executive, and thereby enabling us to address the sport and health agendas. Our priorities lie in encouraging more people to play rugby in Scotland and of course in ultimately seeking success for the Scotland team."

Meanwhile, Scotland coach Frank Hadden will be joined at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday by captain Jason White and five team-mates when they launch their Calcutta Cup tour of the nation.

The group will also address a special session of the parliamentary Cross-Party Group on Sport, which is chaired by Dennis Canavan MSP.

They will offer the politicians a first-hand account of Scotland's Six Nations campaign and how the SRU plan to use the Calcutta Cup triumph to encourage more people to get involved with rugby and sport as a whole.

This article was posted on 18-Apr-2006, 07:08 by Hugh Barrow.