SCOTLAND TO PLAY IRELAND IN CLUB INTERNATIONAL
Posted: 26/Sep/05
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As part of Scottish Rugby’s determination to underline the importance of the community game, Scotland are to play Ireland in an international match purely for club players.

The fixture will be played at Donnybrook, Dublin, on the evening of Friday 10 March 2006, the eve of the Ireland v Scotland RBS 6 Nations Championship international at Lansdowne Road.

The fixture was announced in Dublin today as part of a sponsorship deal between the Irish Rugby Football Union and AIB. Precise qualification for the match will be decided between the two countries.

SRU Interim Director of Rugby Richie Dixon welcomed today’s news. “This development was a key plank in our new business plan. I’m delighted as it gives our community club players the opportunity to strive for the level above the club game.

“There are thousands of players in Scotland taking honour and pride in representing their community and we are keen to encourage those players to stay in the game. This very positive step is recognition of the importance we place on those players,” he added.

One club player today spoke positively of the decision as Stewart’s Melville FP and former Scotland Under-19 full-back Richard Borthwick, who has been winning plaudits in BT Premiership Division One this season, said: “A Scotland side made up of club players is a great idea.

“It will give those players a new level to which to aspire, especially if you are beyond the age-grade representative sides. It’s a huge honour to play for your country – it may sound like a cliché but it’s a very proud moment when you are handed the Scotland jersey,” he added.

This article was originally posted on 26-Sep-2005, 12:57 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 26-Sep-2005, 12:57.