DaviD Sole

This week the SRU announced that the 2019-20 season would be declared null and void because of the COVID-19 crisis. That means that there would be no promotion or relegation in the leagues.

Biggar, who had won National League One and secured promotion were understandably upset at this situation and, although at first they accepted the position, they have since decided to appeal the decision.

It is hard not to sympathise with Biggar, given their outstanding season and the fact that they had guaranteed their place in the Premier League next season – but who would they replace?

Edinburgh Academicals were sitting on the bottom of the table, but still had two games to play. So, theoretically, they could have avoided the drop.

Granted, those matches were against Marr and Currie, but they were both due to be played at Raeburn Place, Accies’ home ground.

Given that Accies had drawn with Marr earlier in the season, the result was certainly not a foregone conclusion.

Biggar are said to favour an 11-team Premiership next season and claim the SRU’s consultation was not clear.

It sought recommendations from clubs based on five options, rather than being expressly clear that a club’s recommendation could be perceived as a vote for one of the alternatives.

I suspect Biggar’s appeal is not likely to be upheld. But they will get some support from Dalkeith, who find themselves in the same position a few leagues down.

It is a great shame for a strong community club. It is likely they will just have to gird their loins and go again next year instead.

Meanwhile, last week I wrote about the lack of action from the SRU regarding making financial cuts in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Chief executive Mark Dodson has since announced he is going to take a 30% wage deferral, while various others, including board members, will also take 25% salary deferrals.

In essence, Dodson & Co have simply put in place an accounting exercise.

This has prompted outrage from some of the most respected members of the Scottish rugby community.

When you take his massive bonus into account the SRU CEO is one of the best paid people in the country.

This very human crisis is a time to show strong leadership.

It is an opportunity to set a great example throughout the country.

By deferring their salaries until August, the blazerati at Murrayfield have done none of that, and their reputations, which weren’t great to begin with, are now in tatters.