EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS
BILL LOTHIAN

A SCOTTISH rugby fans' group has blasted a clash of kick-offs that will see Scotland's international team going head to head with many club fixtures tomorrow.

While Scotland are taking on Romania at Murrayfield (kick-off 2.30pm) in the first Autumn Test, a programme of Premiership, national and regional league games will be going ahead at the same time around the country.

And, according to Neil Hunter, spokesman for the Forum of Scottish Rugby Supporters, the oval ball game has once again shot itself in the foot.

Hunter said: "This is sporting insanity - the type of simple, silly mistake which should not be happening because fans are being pulled in two directions to the detriment of Scottish rugby at large."

Among the fixtures affected are the eagerly awaited Heriot's v Watsonians Capital derby which is due to kick-off at 2pm.

A statement on the Heriot's website advises fans to "watch the Scotland game later on video."

While "logistics" are officially blamed for scrapping original plans to kick-off at 12.30 the "Evening News" has learned this centres on school fixtures taking place at Goldenacre - plus a reluctance on the part of clubs to switch to Sunday.

Elsewhere, amongst clubs a feeling exists that there is a chance to hit back at the SRU who have been party to a scheme to conclude the Premiership by mid-January so that the emphasis can be placed on representative matches. One club source, with a hint of irony, said: "We are kicking off at 2.30 because that is the prescribed time in the SRU guidebook."

But Hunter added: "Clubs have to work around the national side because, like it or not, television money that can be an important source of revenue to the game, would otherwise be lost.

"Unfortunately, fans' patience is being tested and not for the first time as they are pulled in different directions.

"Supporters should have their lives made as easy as possible.

"Alas, in Scottish rugby these fans are treated as accessories."

This article was posted on 10-Nov-2006, 12:17 by Hugh Barrow.