Scots rugby chiefs braced for hefty fine over typhoon

issued with the unprecedented misconduct charge.

Aheadofthedecisivepool A Japan v Scotland match in Yokohama last month, Dodson made it clear that he would not allow the match to be cancelled – as the France v England and Italy v New Zealand games had been – unless all avenues were pursued.

World Rugby and tournament organisers had pointed to the participation agreement signed by all countries which stipulated any group game not fulfilled on the stated day would be a null and void 0-0 draw. Dodson had pointed to smallprint in that agreement which made allowances for exceptional circumstances or force majeure.

In the end, after the devastating Typhoon Hagibis which claimed almost 100 lives had passed the area, the Japan-scotland game did take place at Yokohama Stadium, with the inspired hosts winning 28-21 to reach the quarter-finals and send the Scots home.

Before the match, Dodson said: “My view is that we are not going to let Scotland be the collateral damage for a decision that was taken in haste.”

He also made clear throughout his press conference in Yokohama that preservation of public safety was of the utmost importance and stressed the strong rugby links between Scotland and Japan.

In response, Rugby World Cup tournament director Alan Gilpin said: “The tournament rules are clear about appropriate behaviour. As a result, we have asked an independent disputes committee to look at the behaviour and comments of the Scottish union.”

Questions have been asked about the legitimacy of the “independent disputes committee” and it’s understood a face-to-face hearing has been asked for.

It now seems it will be after today’s World Cup final between England and South Africa before a formal announcement is made.

When it does come, it seems certain the SRU will seek recourse to some sort of appeals body, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport one possibility.

The Scottish Rugby Union is braced for a six-figure fine over comments made by chief executive Mark Dodson ahead of their Typhoon-threatened pool decider against Rugby World Cup hosts Japan,

The Scotsman understands.

World Rugby convened an “Independent Disputes Committee” to deal with the matter and the punishment is expected to be severe, potentially without recourse to appeal.

Thesruhasbeenwaiting to hear its fate since being