EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS
BILL LOTHIAN ([email protected])
CAPITAL rugby legend David Sole today insisted the upsurge in youth players deserved better than to be served up a running battle between Edinburgh Rugby and SRU chiefs.

A row over competition payments is escalating almost daily and former Grand Slam captain Sole, from Edinburgh Accies, reckons enough is enough.

"The numbers playing at grass roots rugby seem to be growing and that adds to the sense of shame in the game at present," said Sole, pictured below.

"In the circumstances the question is bound to be asked about whether kids should be encouraged to play professional rugby."

In response to Edinburgh allegedly pulling players from World Cup training the SRU has charged the club's directors with misconduct, with a disciplinary hearing scheduled for tomorrow.

Sole said: "The damage this is doing cannot be underestimated and above all I feel for the players whose livelihoods are at stake.

"Also, national coach Frank Hadden has got to make the best of all this ego and small mindedness getting in the way and prepare the team as best he can for the World Cup starting in September."

And former prop forward Sole feels the ramifications go even wider, adding: "In 2015 Scotland hope to be staging the World Cup Final at Murrayfield and what a treat that would be, especially if Glasgow is elected to host the Commonwealth Games [in 2014] and also featuring [sevens] rugby.

"There is absolutely everything to be looking forward to in Scottish rugby. Instead administrators around the world are being invited to look on at this internal spat and wonder about us while this cannot be doing anything for finding potential sponsors for the Scottish international jersey.

"From an external point of view it's possible to see the frustration on both sides.

"But surely there is some form of mediation or arbitration out there that can cut through very entrenched positions?"

Sole insisted he was not prepared to point the finger of blame but did appear to issue his appeals mainly to Edinburgh owner Bob Carruthers who has told his star players they are free to look elsewhere so as to reduce club overheads.

Said Sole: "Bob seems to have plenty of money but in fighting his corner he is effectively playing with the lives and ambitions of young guys which is an irresponsible stance to take."

At the start of the pro era Sole was one of four Scotland captains who toured the country arguing for the game to go down a club-based route as opposed to districts, an argument which many feel remains at the heart of the conflict.

Club man Sole said the debate had long gone past that stage, insisting: "At this point we have got to make the most of things as they stand rather than turn the clock back.

"Sure things might have turned out differently with an alternative structure - but who is to know?

"It is no longer about ifs and buts but the present situation.

"The reality is that Scottish rugby was moving closer to getting the playing side in kilter with a falling debt.

"That only makes it even more important a solution is found quickly and I'd lock the main protagonists in a room until they find an answer if that is what it takes for the sake of Scotland's World Cup bid later this year - and beyond."

This article was posted on 11-Jul-2007, 11:35 by Hugh Barrow.