Save Reivers group concede defeat
Campaigners attempting to save the Border Reivers for next season have conceded defeat, BBC Sport understands.
Scottish Rugby announced two weeks ago that it would close the Magners League outfit this summer.

But the Borders Rugby Action Group had appeared confident that a rescue package could be found.

The SRU insisted there would be no finance available from the governing body and the action group will now aim to resurrect the team in 2008.


BBC Scotland's Chris McLaughlin analysis
BBC Sport Scotland's Chris McLaughlin has been following the story, and commented on the situation: "The consortium who are hoping to save the Borders Reivers have just realised that the SRU will not give them any financial backing at all towards any rescue plan.


Certainly for next season, there will be no Borders Reivers
BBC Scotland's Chris McLaughlin

"The consortium have had another look, and realised that they would not be getting any significant money from the SRU.

"Basically, their sums did not add up.

"Maybe at some point in the future, for the season 2008/2009 they may be able to resurrect the Border Reivers, but certainly for next season, there will be no Borders Reivers."

Given the SRU's reluctance to offer immediate financial support, the consortium could find opposition to any regenerations plans, since a lot of the Borders players are already targeting contracts with other clubs.

Our correspondent said: "I think it's going to be very difficult indeed to get everything together that they need to organise a pro team from scratch.

"Steve Bates, the coach of Border Reivers told me last week that if there is going to be a rescue package for Border Reivers, it would have to happen yesterday, because most of the decent players are looking to go elsewhere.

"It's hard enough to rescue a side that is almost dead, but to rescue a side that is dead and to create a pro team from scratch when the appetite is not quite there, is going to be extremely difficult indeed."

This article was posted on 18-Apr-2007, 19:06 by Hugh Barrow.