FOR sale: two slightly shop-soiled rugby teams, one of which is doing pretty well at the top of the Guinness Pro12, thank you, and the other that has just recorded its worst-ever result.
After that horror show against Zebre at the weekend, who on earth would want to buy Edinburgh Rugby? And they have to play Ulster tomorrow night – that could be a real ‘dearie me’ game. You know, where you have to look away and mutter ‘dearie me’ under your breath.
As for the Warriors, the error count they ran up against Treviso was simply unacceptable, though I can’t agree with one well-known former prop who called Stuart Hogg a “muppet” after the full back dropped the ball in the act of scoring a first-minute ‘try’. Lots of clubs would like Kermit Hogg in their line-up…
So who is going to invest serious money – we’re talking millions here – to take a less than controlling interest in the two clubs? That’s the question that has to be answered by Mark Dodson as chief executive of the SRU and the man behind the plan to get “external investment”.
The SRU SGM last week was always going to end in success for the motion put forward by president Rob Flockhart and the board and the council. That it was unanimously agreed was not unexpected either and, to be fair, the top table did answer all the questions, as indicated by the SRU website with its Q and A section.
Dodson said afterwards: “The hard work really does start now and we will now take time to prepare before entering a challenging market with what we think is a compelling and credible investment opportunity.”
Mmmm…I say again, who will dig deep to invest in clubs they can’t control?
Remember what the SRU said: “It is likely that Scottish Rugby will want to retain a controlling interest throughout, unless an investment proposal was exceptionally attractive.
“Even then, the board would still have to be satisfied that the proposal was in the organisation’s best interests and that suitable safeguards for Scottish Rugby’s continuing interests was included within any underlying agreement.”
Oh, and the ticket money you pay for going to Murrayfield will still be needed.
“Scottish Rugby will still provide funding at or near current levels over a period of time but under a stricter model as a governing body, in return for developing players and, importantly, players qualified to play for Scotland, as well as running the two professional teams.”
Sorry, I don’t see any sensible business people buying into this idea soon, especially when you are dealing with a union that had to appeal to World Rugby to get English-based players released for the autumn Tests.
Premiership Rugby played hard ball with the SRU and the Italian, Samoan and Tongan unions over the issue of what was claimed to be unpaid medical bills. The latter three settled, but the SRU went greetin’ to World Rugby.
What confidence will that approach to a dispute inspire in potential investors in Scotland’s professional game?
Athletics: Having that arrogance can propel me right to top — Laura Muir
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