Rugby: Wright calls for semi-pro set-up in top domestic tier

Under-20s forward coach makes case for revamped league

EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS

Published Date: 27 January 2009
By BILL LOTHIAN
FORMER Scotland and Lions prop Peter Wright has called for a revamped Scottish Hydro Electric rugby Premiership first division to become semi-professional.
The shout comes as Wright settles into his new post as forwards coach to the national under-20 side.

He said: "Four or five years ago you could have one club producing five players for the professional teams in a single season.

"Compare that wADVERTISEMENT

ith last year when just two players out of the leading 12 clubs in the league earned contracts.

"At the moment the standard in Premiership Division One is not that great but it could be so much better."

Currently director of rugby at Glasgow Hawks, the 21-times capped ace, who broke into senior rugby by joining Boroughmuir from Lasswade, says re-structuring of the club scene is essential.

"My club have a vision of making Premier One stronger so that any player with ambition will want to go there. At the moment the step up to the pros is massive and maybe that is the reason why the national under-20s are often pulled out (to play in back-up games with the pros].

"What we are suggesting is a set-up based on clubs having to fulfil entry criteria including various age-group teams.

"As for finance it might be there would have to be input both from the SRU and the clubs themselves.

"From the SRU's perspective they would be getting a product where coaching would be of a higher standard so that the professionals would be more comfortable about releasing players back. Also it could be that the clubs themselves would take responsibility for running the academies that facilitate player development," said Wright, who acknowledged the delicate nature of any negotiations that would effectively see an elite club tier created.

"There would have to be a give and take situation. It is how you go about achieving change.

"There are clubs who will think mainly in terms of self preservation but they also have responsibilities towards the (Scottish] game."

The message from Wright is that with players emerging from a more intense environment the national age-group teams such as the under-20s he is about to assist will benefit.

To what extent, though, can he expect backing from the Murrayfield authorities who are inevitably drawn towards looking after the interests of all clubs whether they are more interested in the social aspect – or trying to drive standards upwards.

"What the SRU have said is that Premiership Division One have to get its house in order.

"Is the ideal model ten, 12 or 14 teams?

"As for finance Hawks have decided that rather than pay players we will have three full-time officials whose remit includes knocking on doors bringing in sponsorships.

"Others chose to invest more in the team. It is about striking a balance."

As the annual RBS Six Nations Championship approaches the next few weeks will undoubtedly determine whether Scottish rugby as a whole is satisfied with the present model – or whether there is a need to broaden the base to include a semi-professional tier as outlined by Wright.

This article was posted on 27-Jan-2009, 12:40 by Hugh Barrow.