A FEW WEEKS back Jim Stevenson issued a Presidential Job Description to the clubs attending a Premier Two/Three forum that can be best described as unfortunate. It suggested that the president should be granted a raft of executive powers that were explicitly denied him in Sheriff Bill Dunlop's report which, in turn, stipulates the president should be a figurehead.
Even as you read this Rob Flockhart is finalising a presentation to the Board on "The Role of the President" so quite why Stevenson chose now for his power grab is anyone's guess? The document is particularly illtimed given the "peace in our time" th
at Scottish rugby has enjoyed of late after a decade of internecine warfare.
Is Stevenson attempting to reignite the whole uncivil war, does he really believe the president should be all-powerful and who were those mysterious men from his own club that Stevenson admits helped put the document together? If anyone knows any power-hungry types down Cambuslang way be sure to write. Ever since his "job description" blew up a sand-storm the normally garrulous Stevenson has locked his bedroom door and refused to talk; not very presidential behaviour.
Stevenson must now wish the document didn't exist but there is a large clique within Murrayfield that is absolutely delighted, hoping the ill-advised paper will kybosh his bid for a second term. Maybe it will, but then again some clubs are contrary animals and may take against the conspirators who have done little to mask their all too obvious glee at the president's discomfort. All that skipping down the corridors of power is a tad unbecoming in middle-aged men.
In any event, the conspirators are taking no chances because more than one high-profile former international has had their arm twisted to run against Stevenson, although Ian McLauchlan has gone the other way and confirmed he won't stand until a year hence. Still, the Flanker knows of at least two well-respected former Scotland stars who are mulling a tilt at the post and I'd be happy to share the information for the usual used fiver.
A NEW cross-border competition has been mooted by the RFU consisting of eight teams from England's national one, six from Wales, four from Ireland and two Scottish sides. It is to be a cup competition taking place over six weekends during the Six Nations championship with the clubs split into four pools of five. It has run into trouble before it has even got off the ground.
The SRU initially hinted to the Premier One forum that one back-up team (from Glasgow or Edinburgh) and one club team would be entered. More recently they un-hinted that and suggested instead that two backup teams would enter with a host of club players (20-30) helping make up the numbers.
Cross-border competition has been the Holy Grail for clubs like Hawks for over a decade so they, and others, are not best pleased at this Murrayfield u-turn especially as neither pro-team coach appeared at a meeting last Wednesday evening to discuss the matter. Further problems arise with this new "British Cup" (ok, ok British and Irish Cup) putting a question mark over the future of the club international team. Whatever teams enter, a slew of club players will be involved which will undermine the integrity of the club international side – one of the few things in Scottish rugby that has been an unqualified success recently.
IT IS somehow heartening to know that, despite all the advances in rugby some things never change. Following their huge victory in Rome, Sebastian "l'homme du cave" Chabal and Martin Castrogiovanni threw punches at each other in a nightclub with the tomato ketchup flowing as a result. Afterwards Castro explained the reason behind the barney, and I précis here, "stava fissando la mia ragazza!"– or to you and me – "he was looking at my bird!". Wonderful.
THE SCOTTISH Universities team is under-funded and a little unloved which is why coach Chris Reekie has started a self-help programme which includes a fund-raising dinner. Stirling County has been provisionally booked for Friday, May 1, speakers are dusting off their best gags and students are lining up to see off the season in style. The cost is likely to be £20 for those still in education and £25 for all others. It is a great opportunity to support a side that receives almost nothing from the SRU. If you would like to sponsor the event or book a table please e-mail jacqui@susport.org.uk.
FOLLOWING a disappointing Six Nations Scotland have slipped to 10th in the IRB rankings while Italy are in 12th. We bemoan having just two teams while Italy want exactly that many as part of a deal that sees them enter the Magners League from season 2010/11. I can't help but suspect such an obvious marriage of convenience will not be a happy one.
The full article contains 853 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
