THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

BORDERS rugby clubs are on the verge of pulling out of the national cup competition because they can no longer afford to compete.

With no prize money on offer following the withdrawal of BT as sponsors and no financial support from the SRU, clubs say it is costing them more to take part.

Instead they want to concentrate on playing in their Border League as derbies attract bigger crowds resulting in larger bar takings. The issue was raised at a Border League meeting attended by all the clubs in the region with the exception of Berwick and Langholm.

Representatives agreed to take the proposal back to the clubs for approval and it is understood withdrawal from the Scottish Cup could take place as early as next season.

This article was posted on 31-Aug-2006, 07:01 by Hugh Barrow.