MARTIN HANNAN

JJ is no Domniavelli, but he could borrow from the Cummings playbook by analysing the current problems of the SRU and getting out simple messages about what needs to be done. And right now, what needs to be done is survival at all levels of the game.

The new chairman is answerable to the board and council of the SRU and not directly to the clubs, but JJ is smart enough to know that he is going to have to take the clubs with him if he is going to steady the ship. Colin Grassie singularly failed to do so latterly, but the fact that he stood down rather than waiting to be pushed does him some credit.

I would strongly suggest that this is no time to be playing silly buggers with the governance of the sport in Scotland. Whatever you do, JJ, don’t convene working groups or committees that will only muddy the waters. I could tell you to stand up to Mark Dodson and the Murrayfield blazers, but frankly everyone is needed together on board right now and in this current crisis, Dodson at least appears to be talking a good game – and if people think what the chief executive has been saying is too frightening and over the top, believe me it could get a lot worse yet.

I am not suggesting that JJ does nothing. That’s not an option – there must be action to save our game at international, pro club and amateur club level, while still encouraging youth development and the growth of the women’s game.

So let’s wish John Jeffrey all the best of luck for the future. I think he’s going to need it.

Ps JJ – I know what really happened with the Calcutta Cup on that night in 1988 when the venerable trophy was damaged after you and PC Dean Richards – who was mostly to blame – took it for a wee jaunt. Suffice to say I was in the Guildford Arms (and several other central Edinburgh pubs) that night. But it was all so long ago and my lips are sealed…