HARD HITTING VIEW

In just under three weeks, the SRU will conduct part one of its Annual General Meeting – a key date in the rugby calendar from a governance perspective.

This year, however, this first part will take place “virtually”, given the need to maintain social distancing.

The meeting will deal with issues such as the ratification of the current Vice-president as President – along with the election of the new VicePresident – as well as other aspects of core business, presumably with issues such as the approval of the accounts.

The really meaty part of the session has been postponed to a date yet to be confirmed later in the year, when social distancing restrictions have been lifted and a proper meeting can be convened.

One the one hand, the SRU could be congratulated for pressing ahead with such an important item on its calendar.

On the other, it could be criticised for preventing the clubs from having a thorough debate on the state of the game, given the current crisis, not to mention the two motions, both of which challenge the governing body’s lack of transparency and decisionmaking powers.

I imagine that many in the heartland of the game in Scotland – the clubs – will have grave concerns about their future.

‘ At least JJ will have the respect of the clubs at the AGM

The grants from the SRU’S hardship fund will have been welcomed, but may not be enough to prevent some clubs winding up.

With no sense of when competitive rugby may re-start below the professional game in Scotland, many clubs will be under severe financial pressure.

The meeting will also be John Jeffrey’s first as the replacement for Colin Grassie, who stepped down earlier in the year as Scottish rugby chairman.

It will be an opportunity for the Kelso farmer to make his mark in a different environment, and to firmly establish his credentials as someone who will restore the clubs’ faith in the Union.

A Union whose reputation has been badly tarnished, both at home and abroad, in recent times.

There is much to debate and discuss, and many issues to be aired which are of real concern to the clubs.

It is a shame that there isn’t even a provisional date for part two of the AGM, because there is a real urgency to tackle some of these points.

Splitting the AGM into two parts may satisfy some aspects of the governance requirements.

But a fuller discussion and debate on the state of the game, not to mention an update on the financial position, are urgently needed.

The governing body cannot afford further criticism in regards to a lack of transparency, as there is already a groundswell railing against this now.

Perhaps JJ is the man for the moment – at least he will start with the respect of the clubs.