Storm clouds on the horizon

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 09 Jun 2011, 8:26 am

Potentially happy daze for fans of Scottish rugby - rumours are ablaze that Gordon McKie's head is on the block: Storm clouds There's no doubting the man's business/financial acumen, but there must be severe question marks over his ability to actually develop the game of rugby? His handling of the Edinburgh facilities fiasco this year was laughable, his closure of the Borders team to "improve the competitiveness of the other two professional sides" has been shown to be sadly wide of the mark, and his response to the demise of the playing standards of the remaining 2 pro teams appears bordering on the negligent - could this be the end? Is it time for a new broom and the rebirth of Scottish rugby? Yahoo

by Adam D Thu 09 Jun 2011, 8:30 am

THE STORM clouds are back above Murrayfield toy as pressure builds on the current regime to explain a series of decisions now being blamed for taking Scottish rugby backwards.

Gordon McKie, brought in as chief executive by the Scottish Rugby Union in 2005 to bring stability to a sport struggling to cope with professionalism, is in the sights of board members who appear to have lost patience after a series of stormy meetings.

McKie has largely succeeded with his chief aim, reducing the SRU's debt by around £5m to £15m and streamlining the business, but his failure to then move the business on by developing the rugby side and make an impression on what remains the core issue of developing professional rugby has led some to surmise that it is time for fresh blood at the helm.

It is understood that the board meeting hastily arranged for today is seen by McKie as an opportunity to tackle the challenges to his authority head-on, with the board split in their support for him.

McKie has been at the helm of the SRU for six years, but in recent times the Union's communication and understanding of rugby supporters has been at the heart of a rising number of complaints from fans. McKie and his finance director Eamon Hegarty were at the centre of the storm this season to close off Edinburgh's 'clubroom' facility in Murrayfield's 'President's Suite' after the start of this season without warning and so landing the SRU in court.

That is one of a number of PR problems which have led to concerns being raised with the incoming chairman, Sir Moir Lockhead, on his travels around the country, over a failure of the SRU leadership to grasp the importance of customers to increasing attendances and interest. The revelation that the reason for shutting the doors on Edinburgh supporters – with no alternative initially proposed – was to spend £500,000 on refurbishing the President's Suite, to hold Christmas parties for the Edinburgh public, caused fury.

But controversy is nothing new for this regime. Within a year of taking the helm, McKie was at the centre of a storm in the Borders when he stated publicly that he believed the team may be shut down in order to save money and improve the competitiveness of the other two professional sides – 18 months before the SRU closed the team. It led to unrest among players and coaches, some players deciding to leave and others objecting, while what support that was building for the fledgling team questioned their investment in a side seemingly on its way out.

Despite promises to fill the void left in the rugby-mad region with an academy, there was no future plan produced for the area, proposals to create a development side dismissed and even attempts to hold Edinburgh training sessions in the region were blocked by McKie, as he became embroiled in a spat with Gala RFC over payments due to the club.

In terms of developing the professional teams the current regime's failure to find suitable venues has proven a major stumbling block to success. The SRU was courted by Glasgow City Council to move Glasgow Warriors into the newly redeveloped Scotstoun Stadium and create a new sporting hub in the city, but the board decided against the move, to the disappointment of Glasgow City Council, and instead signed up to give Partick Thistle FC a six-figure annual sum to rent Firhill.

More by David Ferguson at http://sport.scotsman.com/rugby/Storm-clouds-gather-again-after.6782049.jp

by red_stag Thu 09 Jun 2011, 8:33 am

Certainly hope so. Thereres no point talking about expanding rugby if its losing support in Scotland. They have a good international team and enough good players too really be competitive. Hope they can get act together

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 09 Jun 2011, 8:33 am

And the other article in today's Scotsman: Power struggle at the SRU

by Dorothy_Mantooth Thu 09 Jun 2011, 8:41 am

He is all about the "Cuts" except for his salary, which has allegedly doubled to over £300k in the past couple of years.

He has done what he is good at cutting down on costs etc. But we are at the stage after so many years of cuts that there is very little fat left to cut off, that is not essential. We are looking for Income streams to increase. Looking at the figures since he has come in he has, but most of the increased revenue has come from spunging off the new TV deals and Sponsorship from the 6 Nations and HC.

When left to negotatire TV deals and Sponsorship on our own, for the AI's and the Pro Teams his performance has been laughable. Last year we had to accept a nominl fee from the BBC for the AIs and our Pro Teams get next to nothing from the BBC Alba deal.

The Pro Teams are fighting a virtually impossible fight. Budgets decreased again this season means that they can put out a decent enough XV, but when the internationals are away, its kids who take there place.

Other point McKie claims as a major sucess is the increase in playing numbers amongst kids and adults. I don't know how he does the figures, but if you ask almost any match secretary at club outside the top two or three divisions, clubs are losing players from the game. You just need to see the amount of 2nd and 3rd XVs that were playing league Rugby, a few years back and compare it to now.

by dubh_linn Thu 09 Jun 2011, 8:52 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Potentially happy daze for fans of Scottish rugby - rumours are ablaze that Gordon McKie's head is on the block: Storm clouds There's no doubting the man's business/financial acumen, but there must be severe question marks over his ability to actually develop the game of rugby? His handling of the Edinburgh facilities fiasco this year was laughable, his closure of the Borders team to "improve the competitiveness of the other two professional sides" has been shown to be sadly wide of the mark, and his response to the demise of the playing standards of the remaining 2 pro teams appears bordering on the negligent - could this be the end? Is it time for a new broom and the rebirth of Scottish rugby?

I thought at the time when they scrapped the borders team it was a very bad decision. At the time Scotland had 3 professional teams all other main NH nations had 4 (ireland) to 14 (France), I think it was justified in terms of money but if this guy was supposed to be a business whiz why didnt he bring more investment in to develop the game and improve standards (and increase public interest in rugby)?.
Reducing Scotland to 2 pro teams reduced opportunities for up and coming players in Scotland and hasnt helped the national team(the IRFU tried this with Connacht a couple of years ago but luckily such a fuss was made that they backtracked).

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 09 Jun 2011, 9:03 am

dubh-linn, that's a very good question, and you have to ask it when the main sporting interest in Scotland (the roundball game) is currently preoccupied with shooting itself in the foot (and the knee, and the arm, and the head) - the time is ripe for investment and development right now

by funnyExiledScot Thu 09 Jun 2011, 10:48 am

To be honest I'm quite pleased - the SRU could use a shake-up. I'm willing to give McKie some credit for tackling the debt situation which was not of his own creation, but I do think he's missed quite a few tricks on the rugby side. He's becoming increasingly unpopular as well with both the SRU as well as supporters, and that in itself can become a hindrance to making progress.

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 09 Jun 2011, 10:54 am

I am not a fan of McKie, but sometimes it is a case of better the devil you know.

Ireland certainly made a far better transition to the pro game. Spend a lot of Money to make yourselves strong and competative at club and international level, win some games and the supporters will come as too will sponsorship and merchendise sales (PROFIT).

Whereas McKie seems to have thought that cutting budgets, losing players and getting battered week in week out will draw the crowds and sell merchandise and lure investment!

As ASBO said with all the vile and disgraceful things happening to Scottish football at the moment anyone with even half a brain should be targeting disgruntled football fans with astute PR to drum up support for a game Scotland are actually better at!

If this is the begining of the end for Mckie I can't think anyone that posts here will be sad to see him go.

Under new management I would be tempted to invest in a 3rd pro team up north ASAP with the idea of ground sharing with Aberdeen (pittodrie), perhaps taking some games to Perth (McDiarmid Park) and Inverness (Caledonian Stadium), perhaps get a few prominent Exiles back with some of the Fringe Players at the Burgh & Glasgow (the likes of Alex Blair springs to mind immediatly) and a massive PR campaign going to raise awareness and interest. Job Done! Wink

by funnyExiledScot Thu 09 Jun 2011, 12:24 pm

I certainly would pity the French and Italian teams coming to the wet and windy Caledonian Stadium in the Scottish winter. There's nothing to separate the seats in the stands from the icy chill of the North Sea and Moray Firth! Pittodrie isn't much more welcoming.

by JLyall Thu 09 Jun 2011, 1:45 pm

McKie is an accountant, he has little knowledge of the game itself imo.

by JLyall Thu 09 Jun 2011, 2:18 pm

On that last point, despite the temperature, the Caley stadium is the ideal size for a Scottish pro team, around 6 000. Its also located more on the outskirts of Inverness, so is easily accessible. Unlikely that an SPL team will want to share its ground with a rugby side, though. About 10 years ago, Edinburgh had a good prospect at Myreside, which was wee, but you got a good atmosphere, and it would be full when the bigger sides came calling. I think there is a good market for a pro team up North, especially when you have relatively successful clubs such as Highland, which also have a very good youth system. The Pittodrie fixtures, even though they are against a second tier side, are always popular. However, Pittodrie holds a good 18 -20k, which is ambitious to say the least in terms of building a decent atmosphere.

Getting a decent and consistent attendance level is achievable, especially if prices were kept to a reasonable sum. Having a 3rd team could also mean that they act in a similar way to Connacht - nurturing young, home-grown players who eventually move on to (preferably!) Ed/Gl, to help boost the pro game. The likes of Carr, Cronin, Keatley etc are testament to this in recent times. As RuggerRadge points out, players such as Alex Blair, Tom Brown, Ross Samson and many more could be drafted in. It also provides an opportunity for Premier 1 players who impress for Melrose, Boroughmuir and the like to win a pro contract that they may not be able to obtain with less pro teams.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 09 Jun 2011, 2:26 pm

Or else the SRU gets serious about funding London Scottish?

by JLyall Thu 09 Jun 2011, 2:33 pm

Yes, that would be another option, especially since theyve just been promoted. The issue would be whether to send the aforementioned fringe/youngsters to join the squad or chuck in the cash and get real quality on board to push for the Premiership. I think I can guess which one the SRU would go for!

by glamorganalun Thu 09 Jun 2011, 4:01 pm

I believe the SRU were very short sighted getting rid of the Borders as this area is a true rugby playing area of Scotland. Yes they were near the bottom of the league but played easy on the eye rugby, they needed time. Having two teams in the Cities is mirrored by Wales they closed down their hot bed of rugby for the large cities/towns teams. Let us be honest the ML has not been improved by bringing in two c**p Italian sides we would be better off including London Scottish and London Welsh in the ML far closer than Italy and we should improve crowds. I would not include London Irish as they are an English side without any Irish.

Common Scotland invest for the future RBS can sponsor you out of their managers bonuses (thanks to the tax payers).

by mckay1402 Thu 09 Jun 2011, 4:39 pm

Ruggerradge

I have been suggesting for about 2 years that they should be looking into a team up in the north. It's a massive untapped pot of potential rugby players and those teuchtars are big b-ggers...
If they start a Highland team and bring back the borders plus invest in a bit of advertising Scottish rugby might be able to pull back from the brink. Scotland need four teams. Having two doesn't work, as clearly demonstrated by the number of players leaving to play elsewhere.

On the above note about the Italian sides. I think it would be fair to say that they were brought in more for the devalopment of the Italian game than for the betterment of the Magners league but I do think they bring an extra dimension which is quite cool. Give them a couple of years and they'll be competative at least.

Don't agree about pulling in the exiles to the magners either. Their traditional base has always been England and if you pull them into the Magners it would reduce their capacity to pull in local crowds.

by Boston Exile Thu 09 Jun 2011, 8:54 pm

I like the idea above of a Caledonian side based mainly out of Aberdeen but with fixtures or 2nd team/U21 matches out of Inverness/Dundee/Perth/Stirling (I'd push them towards Caledonian not Glasgow) to build up a regional following. There also needs to be good ties developed with the clubs in those areas. I've always admired the way Munster play out of 2 centres and thought we might emulate (Aberdeen/Perth) if it proves workable.

London Scottish is a different matter. I like the idea of sponsoring them (for the income they won't get from the RFU) and in effect they would be our 4th team.

There are just so many things that need to be done though, more schools playing rugby, distinction barriers removed, better facilities, PR/Marketing and most of all, all the stakeholders working together towards a shared vision. Right now it seems like Scottish rugby is like a political scene from Braveheart. We will continue to punch below our capability until that is resolved. There are scant financial resources and they mustn't be wasted.

The benefits are long term but clear. A fitter nation, fewer kids on the streets, better morale and aspirations for the country. We need all those things whether we remain part of the UK or go it alone.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 10 Jun 2011, 8:24 am

How depressing, McKie somehow managed to survive a vote of no confidence: McKie squeaks by Cry

by red_stag Fri 10 Jun 2011, 8:27 am

I'm not a Scottish fan and I'm irritated by that. I can only imagine how annoyed Scottish fans must be,

by dubh_linn Fri 10 Jun 2011, 8:31 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:How depressing, McKie somehow managed to survive a vote of no confidence: McKie squeaks by

bad luck mate!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 10 Jun 2011, 9:00 am

There's still hope: Change of SRU Chairman

by Tattie Scones RRN Fri 10 Jun 2011, 9:02 am

From an article on the BBC....

Gordon McKie's hopes of implementing his vision for the future of Scottish rugby remain intact after an emergency meeting of the national governing body.
Called at short notice by chairman Allan Munro, it was widely believed to concern the future of McKie as Scottish Rugby's chief executive.
But Munro said in a statement afterwards that the board had expressed confidence in the management team.
"Scottish rugby remains in excellent health," he insisted.
"And today's meeting simply demonstrates that the governance model of our game in Scotland is absolutely sound and is rightly held in high regard by other governing bodies."

We surely must be missing something although I doubt it. Must have been some threats of somekind for everyone to back down.

by RuggerRadge2611 Fri 10 Jun 2011, 9:59 am

There is something really fishy going on here. I can't believe for one minute all the rabble rousers backed down in this emergency meeting.

Even as fans boycotting games etc is just cutting our noses off to spite our faces. We are more or less powerless in this situation and we are all reduced to standing by and watching the game we love being mugged.

Another bad day for Scottish Rugby.

by mckay1402 Fri 10 Jun 2011, 10:18 am

It would seem that the SRU value saving money above making it. Either that or he is about to unveil a plan to make Scottish rugby both profitable and succesful on the pitch.

I find the statement that Scottish rugby remains in excellent health a bit comical though. it hasn't been excellent since 1925...

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 10 Jun 2011, 10:21 am

mckay1402 wrote:It would seem that the SRU value saving money above making it. Either that or he is about to unveil a plan to make Scottish rugby both profitable and succesful on the pitch.

I find the statement that Scottish rugby remains in excellent health a bit comical though. it hasn't been excellent since 1925...

Surely not as laughable as the "is rightly held in high regard by other governing bodies." comment tho?! laughing

by mckay1402 Fri 10 Jun 2011, 11:54 am

Other governing bodies meaning the Inland revenue probably...

by Shifty Fri 10 Jun 2011, 8:05 pm

I think Scottish rugby is in a total mess at the moment and rugby at all levels seem to be suffering.
Personally I think Scotland should re-enter the Welsh league with 8 teams to play the new 8 semi pro teams the WRU is creating, 2 for each region and put them into a new 16 team ring fenced league.
2 teams from the borers, 2 from Edinburgh, 1 each from Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and London Scottish should help Scotland be competitive and give them a chance to develop young talent again and promote the game.
What the hell happened to teams like Melrose. Watsonians. Kelso, Currie and Stirling County? Surely they are still about and surely they can still bring through talented boys like they did previously?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Sun 12 Jun 2011, 9:53 am

AlynDavies wrote:I think Scottish rugby is in a total mess at the moment and rugby at all levels seem to be suffering.
Personally I think Scotland should re-enter the Welsh league with 8 teams to play the new 8 semi pro teams the WRU is creating, 2 for each region and put them into a new 16 team ring fenced league.
2 teams from the borers, 2 from Edinburgh, 1 each from Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and London Scottish should help Scotland be competitive and give them a chance to develop young talent again and promote the game.
What the hell happened to teams like Melrose. Watsonians. Kelso, Currie and Stirling County? Surely they are still about and surely they can still bring through talented boys like they did previously?

AD, I can't believe that you'd come up with such a clear opinion as in your first sentence and would suggest such a radical change in competition structure as you put forward in your second sentence, and then you come out with your closing questions? From the last, it is pretty clear that you know next to nothing about the Scottish game, else you would know that the health of teams like Melrose, Currie and Ayr is in pretty reasonable shape, all competed in the B&I Cup this season just passed, including against some Welsh teams. Why would London Scottish elect to leave the English league system? It's been their stated mission to rise back to the top echelons of the English leagues, something that they have now achieved. The problem in the Scottish game is isolated to the two pro-teams

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Sun 12 Jun 2011, 10:07 am

A balanced view on troubles within the SRU from the Herald: Don't forget, former players got us in this mess in the first place
And some more: It's not just about the economics
And more still: Is Sir Moir the answer?
And lastly: "Two bald men fighting over a comb"

On old 606, I commented on a wide-ranging proposal put forward by former international Alasdair Cranston for a restructuring of the game in the Borders along the lines of a co-operative. I still haven't managed to find a copy of this, but surely it has to be given serious consideration after the repeat of the usual nonsense that we have witnessed this week?

by doctor_grey Sun 12 Jun 2011, 11:53 am

As,
Admittedly from an outside perspective, Scottish Rugby at the top level does certainly appear to be in a death sprial. Poor management decisions and poor results on the pitch. The National team struggles to win more than a single 6N match and the 2 remaining Celtic League teams are struggling. The last few Lions tours have had almost no Scotsmen (which perhaps helps underline the poor results). There have been poor crowds for many Internationals and the top clubs. And there seems to be no vision for the future at all. The SRU gives all the appearance of an isolated Old Boys Club.

What I would be very interested to know is the state of Rugby below the top level. Clubs such as Ayr, Melrose, Heriots, Currie and Gala are very well known outside Scotland (I am very biased because I played for Gala for a couple of years in the distant past). How are player numbers at these levels, and at the grass roots below these clubs now? If the player and participation numbers are still strong, it would seem to show Scottish Rugby is not in as bad shape as it might appear. But if player numbers are stagnant or worse at the clubs, then major surgery is needed throughout the entire SRU, not simply ousting the boss.

To swing out to a macro view of the situation, the Home Nations are critical pillars of Rugby globally. It therefore becomes very important for the sport to have strong national and club teams from Scotland, in addition to the others. So whether someone is a Scotland supporter or not, it helps everyone to have Rugby strong in Scotland. The rising tide raises all ships.........

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Sun 12 Jun 2011, 1:34 pm

The good doctor, in theory the 'numbahs' tell us that the game is growing in Scotland, at least that's what a recent IRB study showed (albeit, nowhere near as fast as it is in other countries). However, the reality on the ground is apparently different - you don't necessarily see it at the first XV of club level, it's below that where fixture secretaries (particularly of smaller clubs) are struggling to complete matches. I should confess at this point that I haven't lived in Scotland for over 20 years now, so my evidence is second-hand and comments necessarily anecdotal.

Iain Morrison, another former international, kind of confirms this in his article in the Scotland on Sunday tho: Weeping sore that is pro teams

I agree with you that the home nations are all critical pillars of rugby globally, along with the 3 SH giants of the game - I hope to goodness that we managed to get it sorted out soon, before it becomes too late thumbsup

by doctor_grey Mon 13 Jun 2011, 1:56 am

As,
Do I detect a smattering of sarcasm when you say the grass roots player numbers are growing? A tiny hint of doubt, perhaps? My friends from my playing days at Gala (long may she thrive!) tell me basically the same thing as you - it is becoming harder to fill out second and third squads and even youth numbers appear to be down. Sooner or later, this becomes unsustainable.

We are in a pay-for-performance culture in private industry. And the article indicates Gordon McKie earns £312,000. That is unbelieveable. For what results is he earning £312,000? I think 312,000 rupees is too much. Change is critical and needed now. Allan Munro has got to be making some decent ££££, too. If the stars align, he shouldn't get too attached to his office either.

Appearances be damned, change now: Vive la revolution!!!!

by **RDW** Mon 13 Jun 2011, 7:27 am

I don't think London Scottish is a realistic option - now they are in the championship they have to satisfy the RFU with the number of young English players they have. Don't think they could realistically take on a lot of young Scottish guys.

by Boston Exile Mon 13 Jun 2011, 12:28 pm

RDW - I'm maybe not exactly up on this but isn't the RFU requirement something along the lines of maintain 16 EQ out of every match day 22 and you will get a payment from the RFU of lots of pounds. I may not have the rules and parameters exactly right but maybe someone can confirm/correct me.

Don't think you can demand a certain level of EQ players as against employment laws so its a reward for compliance rather than a constraint I believe.

If I'm correct in my understanding, then the question for the SRU is can they fill the funding gap, and if so what conditions would be acceptable to both parties? It seems to me a good way to have another essentially Scottish team and it may help return LS as a premier destination for Scottish internationalists leaving Scotland.

It's all conjecture anyway as unlikely to happen as long as McKie is in place.

by **RDW** Mon 13 Jun 2011, 12:34 pm

That's a good point Boston - I don' think they have to do that as opposed to they just won't get funding from the RFU unless they have the qouta of English guys.

Also I am not sure how they club would like it either - on another topic someone suggested that (when discussing them moving to the magners league) although the club has strong Scottish links it still attracts an English fan base and they might not want to lose that English following by making it a Scottish feeder team.

by Boston Exile Mon 13 Jun 2011, 1:15 pm

Yes, there are a large number of first and second generation Scots in the London area. Re-emphasising the Scottish links will encourage many to gravitate to LS, but at the same time many young players will be local and may be dual qualified or solely English. The funding in such a scenario would be split and the club should also be supporting the community, so I'd have no complaints if it developed English as well as Scottish internationalists. Indeed that would be good as it would say much for the qualities of the club.

So yes, not an out and out feeder team but one which has a strong Scottish bias. Goodness knows I like seeing Gloucester do well due to the strong Scottish contingent, as I have Northampton and Newcastle in the past and I guess Sale in the future.

by glamorganalun Mon 13 Jun 2011, 10:22 pm

Boston:

The London Scottish (and Welsh) idea to play in the ML was put forward as they are in the English system hence forced to have English players or they can't get promoted to the premier league ( LI don't have any Irish players). It would make sense to use LS to develop Anglos living in London for Scotland national side. I would bet they would get bigger crowds than the current two Scottish teams e.g., if London Sccotish were hosting Munster think how many Irish and Scottish supporters living in London the game would attract! I believe the Italians in the ML are good for Italy development but does nothing for crowds but it enable fringe players some game time.

by Cymroglan Mon 13 Jun 2011, 10:35 pm

So let me get this right ..The proposal is that London Scottish/Welsh join the PRO 12 they want funding from the SRU/WRU yet play their home games in England?

From a Welsh perspective I would be totally against that for many reasons but the main reasons are.
WRU should have the fifth region in North Wales and that should have priority over a region outside Wales and the second reason is the residency ruling.

by glamorganalun Mon 13 Jun 2011, 10:53 pm

Cymroglan:

There are a lot of Welsh and Scottish etc living in London, just think back how many London Welsh players played for Wales in the 70's at that time there were more Welsh people/decendants living in London than Llanelli. I am saying the players at LW and LS should be Welsh/Scottish and they are existing clubs with history not like a maufactured club like the current Scottish teams with no crowds.

by Cymroglan Mon 13 Jun 2011, 11:00 pm

glamorganalun
A third of the population of wales is hours away from a region lets sort out that problem first.
Yes I agree in the amateur era we had players doing their bread and butter jobs outside of Wales but it's the professional era now.

by glamorganalun Mon 13 Jun 2011, 11:28 pm

I suspect I know where you are coming from as I should know losing my region to the old boy brigade (Cardiff, Newport, Lanelli and Swansea), I prefer more regional teams so we get more players playing not warming benches and LW is a quick way of gaining an extra region especially if they are self funding. Look how many Welsh players are leaving Wales for various reasons this will give some of them a potential bolt hole and still play in the ML (or whatever)!

by Boston Exile Tue 14 Jun 2011, 12:48 am

I have a slightly different perspective that may apply to Scotland but would less so to Wales. LS would be independent of SRU control, the SRU providing some funding like a long term/permanent sponsor. That funding would be to replace the loss of RFU funding with the provision that a good proportion of SQ players are in the squad or being developed. I would want LS to be independent and obviously competitive with salaries, thus if Scots players went south it would be a prime possibility. I also feel it would help players develop in the same way that savouring the French league will develop a player.

With proper organisation, support and promotion Scotland would have retained 4 regions (some chance of that right now), but if things were better and we had 4 functioning regions I'd still want to have an orthogonal arrangement of this type with LS. There are some players who want to sample new challenges regardless of the state of your nation's teams.

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