EDINBURGH EVENING NREWS REPORTS
BILL LOTHIAN ([email protected])
ATTEMPTS to block entry into the national leagues for two "new" Edinburgh-based clubs at the Scottish Rugby Union annual general meeting tonight have been shelved following a specially convened meeting.

Controversy was aroused when the Evening News revealed earlier this month that Meggetland RFC, an offshoot of Boroughmuir based on their 3rd XV, had been formed under a separate constitution and entered into Scottish Hydro Electric East Region League Division Two.

Meggetland were due to play alongside BATS who are an amalgam of Broughton, Edinburgh Accies and Trinity and supporters cited a precedent set in the West where Ayr had entered their 3rds under the guise of "Millbrae" into the national set-up.

This provoked concerns that the new outfits would bolster their resources for key matches with players from the parent club while issues concerning how far the newcomers might be able to gain promotion through the leagues were aired.

But Duncan McDonnell, president of Inverleith RFC, contacted the Evening News to say: "Partly as a consequence of what we were reading in the paper it was felt best to convene a meeting of presidents which took place this week at Dalkeith rugby club.

"As a result of assurances given particularly by Boroughmuir official Mike Baillie and Accies coach Ian Barnes any plans to challenge entry under any other competent business at tonight's AGM have been dropped.

"As for the question of possible promotion that issue will be re-visited, if necessary, at the end of the season.

"The main point is that a majority of clubs are now satisfied that the only motive of BATS and Meggetland was to try to ensure regular games for players."

Many senior clubs have grown weary of last-minute cancellations for their lower order teams or else having to confront the same opponents several times each season.

The new arrangement is seen as a chance to re-define the fixture list although others have been arguing that they should enter 3rd XVs in an expanded 2nd XV league.

McDonnell added: "There was a spirit of co-operation throughout the meeting and I'm sure neither of the two newcomers will indulge in fielding ringers to the detriment of the game in general as has done by another club in the past and caused us to be concerned."

It is understood that the club which provoked suspicion is based in the Borders.

Meanwhile tonight's delegates will also have to vote on alterations in the number of replacements allowed at various levels of the club game and the amount of ticket commission from international match sales that is appropriate. A ballot is also expected to be held on whether to regionalise the initial rounds of the national cup in order to minimise travel costs.

One another motion likely to attract debate is whether to reinstate the role of vice-president.

There are three candidates for the presidency and lining up to succeed Andy Irvine are ex-Edinburgh hooker George Jack, former Calcutta Cup-winning captain Peter Brown and Glasgow delegate Jim Stevenson.

This article was posted on 29-Jun-2007, 11:56 by Hugh Barrow.