Things are looking brighter

• A new SRU Chairman, who seems to have some sensible ideas: Sir Moir Lockhead;
  
• A new SRU Chief Executive - a replacement for McKie with a better sense of what is required for the game in Scotland to develop;
  
• A commitment to a full-time 7s squad;
  
• A fairly radical restructuring of the league system to reflect current economic realities: League changes voted thru;
  
• Alan Lawson's appointment as a Vice-President to the SRU ;
  
• A better than expected showing from the U20s at the JWC;
  
• Restoration of the Museum of Scottish Rugby at Murrayfield: SRU Museum;
  
• Promotion for London Scottish to the RFU Championship.
  

AlynDavies wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Wales are in two years time. 8 club premiership.

I think the Celtic model is fine, under the regional system, which gears the players towards performance at International level more than HEC level there has been success. Wales two Grandslams and a handful of wins over Oz, pus some of the closest results against southern hem teams in three decades. Ireland same, a Grandslam, several triple crowns, Wins over SH teams. Scotland have not had a Grandslam in a while, but they have become more and more difficult to beat in the Six nations, home or away, plus wins over SH teams.

Below regional level is still in a period of adjustment to get the rewards we want, the regional academies and premiership clubs are turning out more good young players but we need to create more competitive rugby below regional level.

Yup mate what I was saying is the clubs are complaining that 8 teams in a league will not be enough as it gives the clubs that are semi pro only 7 Home games in the league a year! They want to condense the numbers and talent to make Welsh rugby stronger but they also want a decent sized league so they can generate revenue to be able to afford the semi-professional aspect of the players. So wouldnt it be an idea to try and find a couple of other clubs from different countries who are close buy to increase the talent and strength in the league. Possibly even asking the 3 main Irish provinces if theyd like to include second teams in it.

maestegmafia wrote:We have a British and Irish league for inter nation competition on top of the domestic league. Be best to see how the current new set up works before judging that it wont work...

The_Hound_of_Harrow wrote:Ok, I'm a bit late on this one, but having watched the U20s game between Scotland and England, I'll say this.

At that level Scotland pushed England all the way, and had a terrific first 20 mins. Watching the match with several English and a Scot, we were all impressed with the handling in the Scottish backs. "Graft them onto the senior team forwards" was one comment (from an Englishman).

I thought those young Scots had given their all in that first half and would run out of steam in the second. But, no; they kept coming, and England only really got clear in the last few minutes.

Apart from Weir, Bennett impressed as did several others. It is a question of them stepping up to Pro 12 level and beyond now. Trust me, the players are there.

tecphobe wrote:

The_Hound_of_Harrow wrote:Ok, I'm a bit late on this one, but having watched the U20s game between Scotland and England, I'll say this.

At that level Scotland pushed England all the way, and had a terrific first 20 mins. Watching the match with several English and a Scot, we were all impressed with the handling in the Scottish backs. "Graft them onto the senior team forwards" was one comment (from an Englishman).

I thought those young Scots had given their all in that first half and would run out of steam in the second. But, no; they kept coming, and England only really got clear in the last few minutes.

Apart from Weir, Bennett impressed as did several others. It is a question of them stepping up to Pro 12 level and beyond now. Trust me, the players are there.

bennett is in clermont on an academy contract there is a lot of chuntering as to how he end up there in scotland he was with glasgow but im not sure what happened you would have to ask one of the scottish lads.