EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS

Edinburgh aim to ease tensions with Leeds invite
BILL LOTHIAN

EDINBURGH Rugby have held out an olive branch to clubs by inviting representatives to attend Friday's opening pre-season friendly against Leeds Tykes at Murrayfield.

In a move designed to heal bitter rifts under previous regimes the newly franchised outfit's managing director, Graham Stirling, insists dialogue will be vital.


"We need to hear what clubs want from a relationship which is important to the future success of rugby in this area. Equally our plans will be outlined with a view to having a stronger base to operate Edinburgh Rugby from," said Stirling.

Across the Capital scene today the impending invitations were overwhelmingly welcomed - at the same time club officials, some more forthright than others, nevertheless are requiring straight answers to questions.

Watsonians president Morris Duncan said: "We look forward to working with Edinburgh Rugby because we appreciate many of our players have aspirations into the pro ranks.

The closer the relationship the better.

"That said, the short notice of the invite is commensurate with the amount of warning clubs are used to being given about the removal of their players to supplement the pros."

Duncan maintained he would be looking for the new Edinburgh owners, the Carruthers brothers, to act as go-betweens in using any influence to bring about changes in the way the pro game was conducted for the benefit or more than an elite.

"We really want to know what has changed from the days when the SRU controlled matters and while a private regime is expected to have a greater commercial edge there is a lot more to it than face-painting and music. We need to know if there will be any new players and what has really changed when there continues to be no promotion and relegation from the Celtic League?

"Privatisation must be used to reduce the complacency attached to players seeing out their contracts amidst limited motivation.

"That is why Glasgow have been so bad. Instead of Glasgow and Connacht fighting out bottom spot how much more competitive would things be if the last team had to face a play-off against the best club team from Scotland, Ireland and Wales as determined by another play-off?

"By pressing for relegation to be brought to the Celtic League I'd expect the Carruthers, Bob and Alex, to really take the game forward by fully embracing commercialism."

In calling for a Celtic League gangway involving traditional clubs Duncan claimed what really mattered was exposing more would-be players to rugby.

"There is a limit of how much family time rugby people can give up at weekends but whether it is Saturday afternoons or Friday nights a large part of achieving a crowd will be about youngsters dragging parents along."

Conceding an advantage over the club scene Duncan added: "A lot of the attraction for kids is seeing top stars but success also counts so there is a need for Edinburgh to win consistently."

Key in the long term could be the exposure given to youngsters amidst concerns about the academy structure leaving too many on the sidelines - another issue expected to be raised on Friday.

"Putting 60 prospects into academies is too many, under-20, as the age they are withdrawn at, is too young. I can't see the merit of teenagers sitting in a lecture theatre, absorbing nutritional advice and carrying tackle-bags unless it is done in conjunction with clubs under the direction of academy coaches - another point to be raised."

Greater incentive for traditional outfits and concerns about player swoops struck a chord with Currie coach Graham Hogg who said: "If this means there is going to be more communication then great; previously clubs did not know which players were available until the last minute.

"That situation saw clubs treated like dirt.

"While the European Cup is obviously a step way too far I hope privatisation means that clubs going into a lower tier competition to avoid stagnating in their own pool."

Whereas Hogg previously coached Edinburgh, at Boroughmuir, director of rugby Steve Douglas is an ex-district player who hopes to cement ties.

"Our connection to Edinburgh is already strong as shown by Friday's curtain raiser at Meggetland between Edinburgh and a Leeds development team.

He added: "It may provide opportunities to talk about making use of the new Meggetland with its increased playing surface though extra covered seating would be required if Edinburgh are to take advantage."A

It might seem Edinburgh are opening a Pandora's Box by seeking feedback but clubs contacted stressed the importance of dialogue with Heriot's president Douglas Livingstone hoping the gathering will lead to clear understandings about the academy set-up.

"Academies are the right way to go but players do not need to be playing; fortunately there are a number of back-up games arranged by Edinburgh, including against Heriot's on Saturday which illustrates our support."

Like Livingstone, Stewart's/Melville president Gordon Rigby hopes Friday's invite will be a precursor to attending more Edinburgh games.

"Getting more games back to Fridays is a big attraction and we'd welcome early indications of intent regarding re-signing players as well as details of the new coach. I favour Scottish input from the likes of Peter Wright (ex-Hawks) knowing Edinburgh success can cascade down to clubs."

The Gunners are entitled to be given the chance to set out their stall according to Edinburgh Acads secretary John White who said: "It would be churlish to disagree at this stage with guys who have had the courage to put their money where their mouths are.

"Besides, the Second Division Forum will debate next Tuesday an item entitled 'what does privatisation mean to you' so Friday can provide further insights."

Not only are Edinburgh keen to develop links with clubs but Stirling also insists a scheduled open day for fans has been moved from Sunday to do greater justice to the occasion.

"Rather than going at things half-cock we will re-examine and announce a date which will benefit existing fans and also help to attract new followers," he added.

This article was originally posted on 16-Aug-2006, 11:59 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 16-Aug-2006, 12:00.