Harlequins link is a real loser for exiles

WHAT a magnificent decision it was by London Scottish to appoint former Scotland captain Bryan Redpath as their new director of rugby. Then they went and took the shine off it by announcing a link with Harlequins. It’s hard to see what this new association does for London Scottish and their players. They turned down a chance to join the semi-professional Super6 league run by the SRU which would have been a better proposition in retaining their Scottish roots. Instead they have taken up the offer to become what looks to this correspondent to be a feeder club for the English Premiership outfit. A place where Harlequins players returning from injury will go to get game time. London Scottish are better than that. The link-up may make them a stronger team on the park in England’s second tier but comes at a big cost to their proud tradition. The Richmond outfit have provided more Scotland international players than any other club. Gavin Hastings was one of four London Scottish players who were a vital part of the 1990 Grand Slam team. In recent years, Dave Cherry and George Horne were both sent south to get more game time before returning to Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors respectively and then playing for Scotland. Look at the record books and there are hundreds of London Scottish players who have worn the thistle with pride through the decades. A one-way link with Harlequins will dilute the club’s strong Scottish roots and is clearly a step in the wrong direction. Yes, they have tried to counteract that with Redpath’s appointment but it isn’t enough.