EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS

We have no time to delay - Gavin

BILL LOTHIAN


GAVIN HASTINGS today called on playing successors to waste no time in setting up the new Members’ Association created as part of a shake-up in Scottish Rugby.

A 15-strong management body comprising five representatives from clubs as well as a similar number from districts - with the balance from "special interest groups" - was given the go-ahead to play a part in overseeing the running of the game following a two hour meeting at Murrayfield to consider a new governance structure.

A players’ nominee will sit alongside the SRU president as well as representatives of schools, women’s rugby and referees in a new council to take the game forward.

Hastings said of an association which is driven by a new European Union directive on employees’ consultative rights: "A Players’ Union operates effectively in England and I welcome a similar initiative.

"Without being disparaging in any way there is inevitably a new-breed of professionals coming through who have had no formal further education. Items that will come under the organisation’s remit will range from assistance negotiating contracts to insurance, to preparing for life beyond playing rugby."

On the outcome, generally, Hastings said: "Sometimes meetings hinge on the way individuals present their case which can be make or break. I’m satisfied that what was achieved was worthwhile."

Hastings’ approval was widely echoed with SRU president Gordon Dixon expressing confidence that the scheme would eventually lead to improved funding from the Scottish Executive. MSP’s had stressed at meetings with the SRU that they expected guidelines laid down by the UK Sport body on governance to be closely followed.

Undoubtedly the widest grins came from club delegates including Boroughmuir’s George Clark. He successfully argued through an amendment which effectively sees the number of district representatives halved in favour of giving more authority to clubs - one voice from each of the three Premiership divisions plus two nominations from the National League outfits.

"I think there has been a swing back towards players and also the supporters on the terracing," said a beaming Clark of a patently more accountable system - especially with calls to retain two SRU vice presidents traditionally from districts rejected. Heriot’s president Jock Millican, who set the ball rolling with a draft governance plan which was honed by a specially selected working party under the chairmanship of Sherriff Bill Dunlop, said there was still work to be done by clubs.

"Any structure will stand or fall by the quality of the people elected to serve and there is a responsibility now to ensure the best representatives are put forward," said the former internationalist.

Referring to upheaval at the turn of the year which saw SRU chairman David Mackay sacked and chief executive Phil Anderton resign on a matter of principle, Millican added: "Without condoning what happened, events in January did provide a spur for Scottish Rugby to look inwards. I felt something could be offered along with Malcolm Murray (ex-Hawick president) who likewise had some experience of business governance to offer.

"Hopefully there will soon be signs on and off the pitch of progress being made again."

This article was posted on 11-Apr-2005, 12:07 by Hugh Barrow.