EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS

Rowan fears trailblazer will suffer for others to benefit
THE saga over Edinburgh Rugby trying to establish itself as a force in the professional game has brought back memories for one Capital businessman who, nearly 20 years ago, shared the same vision as Bob Carruthers.

Former Scotland prop Norrie Rowan, right, says the reason he bought the now-demolished Powderhall Stadium in the 1980s was so a rugby club could put down roots at an arena that was compact yet could house crowds capable of sustaining the team.

Rowan, who quickly traded in his asset, recalled: "I found myself getting frustrated by the SRU even then."

Empathising with Carruthers whose brother, Alex, is a former team-mate at Boroughmuir, Rowan said: "I see a parallel between Bob and football's Jean-Marc Bosman.

Both are trailblazers in their own way and, despite Bosman doing all the work in removing obstacles to players' free movement it was others who reaped the benefits while all he collected was hassle.

"Bob is taking up the case against a system which caters for individuals who are reluctant to change - and why should they want to?

"Many of the people who oppose him are used to a nice lifestyle on match days while the result is secondary to a creditable performance which is all they really ask.

"Whether Bob can keep on taking the hits he is being exposed to will depend on a few factors including how deep his pockets are because he will need funds to keep battling. Above all and, having met Bob, I believe he is not in this venture to make money, albeit the higher profile will help in his other life in what is the entertainment industry after all.

"He does, though, require enjoyment and how long that might last is anybody's guess.

"Already the row has claimed his brother, Alex, who I know from playing days to be a really committed rugby guy.

"On becoming executive chairman of Edinburgh Alex doubtless felt he had his dream job but a year later it had all gone sour and he resigned.

"Scottish rugby really is entering a critical phase because the principle of entrepreneur-driven clubs needs to be established in a professional era.

"Others will come along after Bob - the question is how long has to elapse before that happens. That is what we seem to be in the process of determining now."

This article was posted on 13-Jul-2007, 11:58 by Hugh Barrow.