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LONDON: Scottish Rugby Union expected to help London Scottish |
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Written by London Scottish Football Club
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Sunday, 23 March 2008 |
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The Scottish Rugby Union is set to come south into England by drawing together a player recruitment and funding package which would help steer London Scottish Rugby Club back into the top flight of English rugby.
The Scottish Rugby Union is set to come south into England by drawing together a player recruitment and funding package which would help steer London Scottish Rugby Club back into the top flight of English rugby.
Plans are still at an early stage, but according to the Scottish press, it is understood that the club envisage investment from the Scottish Rugby Union, as well as private funding from individuals and businesses with Scottish connections. It's expected that the SRU's participation would involve a direct grant and / or through the loan of players currently attached to Edinburgh and Glasgow rugby teams.
According to the Scottish Press, officials from the SRU 'remain tight-lipped on the matter", however it is anticipated that London Scottish will be the preferred vehicle for any SRU plan to develop a London presence.
The Scottish Rugby Union currently make a financial contribution to the running of the London Scottish Academy. The Academy currently develops players with Scottish qualifications.
In just four seasons, in theory, London Scottish could reach the Guinness Premiership from their current position in National League 3. It is expected that the top 24 English rugby teams will be fully professional by 2010 and that their competitions may be ring-fenced from promotion and relegation so the race is on for those in the lower leagues to join the last 24! London Scottish was in the top league in 1999 when the league turned professional, but was relegated to the bottom of the English leagues following financial difficulties under the old administration. Since then it has shown Scots courage and been promoted most years.
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