THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS
DAVID FERGUSON
SCOTTISH rugby suffered one of its most embarrassing defeats on Saturday, and the bad news is that the gloom could become even murkier before we see blue skies again.

Today, the Scotland coaching team and the national squad should be focused on learning the lessons of a 37-17 defeat to Italy, and preparing for the daunting challenges of facing a brilliant Ireland team who will come to Murrayfield in search of the Triple Crown, and a visit to Paris on the final weekend of the championship where France could be homing in on a Grand Slam. Instead of looking at ways to avoid being overwhelmed by such opposition, the camp is likely to be distracted by talk of contracts, departures and the fragile future of professional rugby in Scotland.

The build-up to Saturday's game was dominated by talk of key players Rob Dewey and Simon Taylor - among others - leaving Edinburgh to play at Ulster and Stade Francais respectively. Their expected departure has caused acrimony at almost every level, particularly in the case of Taylor.

Edinburgh will today announce new signings for next season. They will have to spring a big surprise to come up with names that are not overshadowed by the situation with Dewey and Taylor.

Meanwhile, Scotland coach Frank Hadden has to work his magic against a bitter and unwelcome backdrop of uncertainty in the professional game.

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Edinburgh's management have been courting a handful of quality former internationalists. However, they face the same key problem as the SRU - a lack of cash, at least compared with the leading Magners League, English and French clubs.

The SRU is in hock to the tune of £23m, which is expected to grow again with poor autumn Test ticket sales and the hosting of an IRB sevens event this year, and is being asked to shell out more money to keep Scotland's top performers away from the advances of not only rich French and English clubs, but the Irish and Welsh now as well.

Having a debt would not be such a problem were there to be obvious avenues of income, but with the vicious circle that exists in Scottish rugby - low investment in teams, leading to poor squad depth, leading to poor results, leading to low crowds, leading to low income, so lack of cash to invest - the way out is arguably more difficult to fathom now than was the case five years ago. Add to that the low morale caused by results such as the record defeat to Italy, and it is very hard to see a way out of what could become a spiral of decline.

Gordon McKie, the SRU chief executive, needs a flood prevention deal on the back pitches to be concluded with the City of Edinburgh Council to realise a rare major injection of cash from the sale or renting of land around the stadium, but that remains in stalemate.

Internally, while both are striving to improve the standard and attraction of pro rugby, the SRU are involved in something of a cold war with Edinburgh. There are suggestions that Edinburgh may ignite the simmering stand-off between themselves and the union - over significant payments Edinburgh believe the union is withholding - by selecting all of their fit internationalists for Friday night's home game with the Ospreys.

That would light the metaphorical blue touchpaper. The last thing Scottish rugby needs right now is civil war, but it may already be too late. Passions are running high, and frustrations have become obvious. Leading players would not be leaving if they were happy with their roles, and happy with the outlook for Scottish rugby. The sport needs role models, and the three professional teams need a standard of player to make the game sustainable. Sadly, there are not enough of such players in Scotland to put on a brave face and say that the game is bigger than a few individuals.

Problems are not confined to Edinburgh. The Borders and Glasgow have tough away games at the end of the week, and their coaches would like to select their best players because victories in the Magners League remain the clearest way to drive up interest in and income from pro rugby. Hadden stressed this only two years ago, when arguing that Matt Williams was demanding too much of the international players. But now he has replaced Williams, Hadden is more appreciative of the frustrations of trying to mould a Test side in a matter of days.

Edinburgh hold a decent bargaining position while they employ so many internationalists, but if that is to drop significantly this summer, with more poised to move after the World Cup, relations at Murrayfield may reach a serious breakdown.

Where that leaves the SRU's grip on professional rugby in Scotland is open to question. Just as Hadden's next few steps are crucial, so are those of McKie.

Ironically, the series of regime changes at Murrayfield has helped keep players here. Phil Anderton and David Mackay, who took over as chief executive and chairman in 2004, proved very persuasive in assuring players that they would play a part in a bright new era in Scotland by staying.

Despite the SRU delaying contracts month after month - many Scotland stars played without signed contracts throughout 2005-6 - none quit. McKie used Andy Irvine, the new union president, to help persuade players in 2005 of the same need for commitment. 'Stick with us, make Scottish rugby work' was the message and players such as Taylor, Chris Paterson, Chris Cusiter, Scott Murray and Allister Hogg, to name a few, turned down offers from England and France, which would have doubled their salaries. But many have had enough, especially with McKie stating he does not see any bright new era on the horizon. Signing talks tend to reach conclusions around the northern hemisphere in January; Ulster gave their signing targets until last week to make a decision. The SRU have consistently left contract talks with their players until much later, infuriating many with families and mortgages to consider.

Losing one or two players is expected, but the exodus feared this year will re-ignite the debate about whether Scottish rugby can sustain professional teams. Some will again tout a move to the Irish football scenario as an alternative, drawing the national squad from pros making a living outside the country. Is that a more realistic one for pro rugby in Scotland?

One hopes not, but hope is not enough. The professional tier is the vehicle which feeds the national team, and on the evidence of Saturday, it is not working. A further weakening of the three teams is not a pleasant thought.

This article was posted on 26-Feb-2007, 08:19 by Hugh Barrow.