SRU AND LONDON SCOTTISH AGREE SEASON-LONG DEAL

THE SRU and London Scottish have reached a season-long compromise deal after a major row threatened to derail a vital player and coaching link-up. As revealed by Sportsmail, the fall-out came earlier this month over the finances involved in moving London Scottish training facilities. It led to the SRU pulling out of the deal to send young players south for next season. Realising the impact to the development of players and the future success of the English Championship club, both parties have now reached a compromise agreement that keeps them working together for at least next season. Up to eight players will now be seconded from the SRU to continue their development under the guidance of the head of Scotland’s age-grade programme, Sean Lineen, who will continue in his part-time role with London Scottish. Mark Dodson, chief executive of Scottish Rugby, said: ‘We see this as a 12-month relationship at this time. We want to move this initiative forward to continue to give identified Scottish players the opportunity to develop into international players of the future. ‘We had to satisfy ourselves that the club could deliver a performance environment suitable to enable talented young players to develop, before we committed further. ‘We are pleased that the club has addressed our concerns and are now satisfied that the reduced scale of the programme matches the support the club can provide.’ Sir David Reid, chairman of London Scottish, added: ‘We fully recognise that the concerns expressed by Scottish Rugby’s board over the financial commitment and infrastructure needed from London Scottish under the previous arrangements were entirely legitimate. ‘London Scottish will now take full financial responsibility for its areas identified in the partnership, which are designed to enhance the performance environment in which London Scottish players can train and prepare.’