SRU STEP BACK FROM ‘PROJECT PLAYER’ SCHEME

THE SRU are to step away from their controversial ‘project player’ scheme now that the residency rule will be increased from three to five years. Recently, the likes of South African trio Josh Strauss, Willem Nel and Cornell du Preez have all qualified to play for Scotland despite having no prior link to the country before signing to play for either Glasgow Warriors or Edinburgh. However, with the eligibility period to rise from three to five years under a change in World Rugby guidelines, the SRU have decided to go down a different route after concluding five years is too long to wait for a player to be Scotland qualified. They will now set up a worldwide scouting network to track down Scottish-qualified players, headed by the SRU director of rugby Scott Johnson and former Scotland Sevens coach Stevie Gemmell. ‘We have taken on top people all around the world to support this initiative and this new programme re-shapes our approach to Scottish-qualified players outwith the country,’ said SRU chief executive Mark Dodson. ‘The changes and increase in the residency period means that all countries need to take a different approach to bolstering their playing resources. ‘The residential changes means to play for Scotland will change from three to five years. Although some players will still become Scotland internationals through this route, we need to find players with ancestral qualifications and give them a pathway to the Scotland team. ‘Our playing numbers in Scotland means we have to look beyond our domestic game for players and this is part of that plan to find Scottish-qualified players.’ There will be three scouts in England, with former Scotland captain Rory Lawson responsible for the greater London area and south of England with help from his fellow ex-international Ian Smith. Former Scotland and Lions centre Alan Tait will fulfil a similar role in the north of England. Part of their remit will be to find some Scottish-qualified talent playing rugby league, although that is unlikely to go down well with Scottish Rugby League chiefs.