THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS
BILL LOTHIAN ([email protected])
SCOTTISH Rugby today claimed to be ahead of schedule in plans to reinvigorate the club game after several years of decline.
Speaking at the announcement of a £281,700 sponsorship deal for next season from Scottish Hydro Electric, Colin Thomson, Head of Community Rugby, revealed a seven per cent increase in adult playing numbers and a 19 per cent rise among youths. That's ahead of target figures of five and ten per cent respectively.

There are now 9,488 adult players and 17,983 youths.

Reflecting the progress, Scottish Hydro Electric plan to remain major sponsors of the domestic scene for at least three years, during which clubs can expect to receive initial payments of between £1,000 and £600 each depending on League status.

Bosses continue to rule out prize money, however, while suggestions that the club scene had been neglected were sidestepped.

Thomson said, as a fixture list for the 2007-08 club scene was issued showing champions Currie kicking off at home to cup holders Glasgow Hawks, while newly-promoted Edinburgh Accies await Heriot's: "There is an acceptance that, if we are to grow beyond there being fewer adult players in Scotland than in Yorkshire, clubs will be the focus."

The emphasis, said Thomson, would be on rewarding development of individuals for national academies and pro-teams as well as assisting with travel costs.

Also, there will be a club-of-the-month scheme and a fund to support minor capital projects.

Among the clubs cited as meeting the criteria for assistance through their development work were Currie, Boroughmuir, Edinburgh Accies and Forrester.

It is understood there are moves within Scottish Rugby to assist fire-hit Portobello from a separate fund.

Thomson added: "Travel support will almost double to £110,000. The minor works grants are available out of a total budget of £16,000 and nine club-of-the-month awards will be worth a total of £4500."

Thomson also appealed for clubs to enter into the spirit of things if a motion to lift the ban on foreign players in domestic rugby next season is approved at a forthcoming AGM.

"This is a mature step that requires clubs to enter into the spirit of change."

Other highlights of the opening day see Boroughmuir entertain Melrose while Watsonians visit Hawick in the new, expanded, 12-team Premiership.

This article was posted on 14-Jun-2007, 07:17 by Hugh Barrow.