SRU faces tough task to convince clubs sceptical of semi-pro franchise vision
● More info to be presented at AGM ● New Pro14 structure set to revealed
The SRU faces a challenge to convince clubs over reported plans for a six-franchise semi-pro league which would represent a huge shake-up of Scottish rugby.
Reports emerged over the weekend of proposals for union investment of at least £100,000 annually in each of the “franchises” over the first five years from season 2019-20, a total of over £3million.
Chief executive Mark Dodson will provide more information on the strategy at Saturday’s SRU AGM at BT Murrayfield.
The six teams would contest a league, with play-offs to follow.
There is likely to be one team based in Glasgow, one in Edinburgh, one in the Borders and one in the North and Midlands district, plus two others.
While there is definite interest from some leading clubs, The Scotsman understands that there is also a good deal of scepticism from other quarters after the idea was first floated at Premiership Forums, and many await with interest further clarity from the union on Saturday.
Currently, the Scottish club structure has ten-team toptier BT Premiership, which is effectively semi-pro already, with a draft of Glasgow and Edinburgh players also made available to the clubs.
The concept of an eightteam semi-pro club league was raised a few years ago but these new reported plans go further in the long sought for bid to bridge the wide gap from the club to professional game.
That chasm has been the ever present elephant in the room for Scottish rugby as the professional era has progressed, with the fact Scotland only has two pro clubs putting it at a distinct disadvantage compared to other leading rugby nations.
Scotlandunder-20sachieved a best ever fifth-place finish at this summer’s junior World Cup, with many of the squad part of the BT Academy system, which is heading into its third season. The question has always been where these young prospects can progress their careers within the Scottish system if not yet ready for the Glasgow Warriors or Edinburgh first teams. Various schemes have been undertaken, including a linkup with London Scottish, the deal to send Edinburgh lock Lewis Carmichael to Australia to play for Western Force in Super Rugby and the recently revealed partnership with French fourth-tier club Stade Nicois.
It is expected that the presentation at Saturday’s AGM, which follows input from external consultants, will seek to explain the broader joinedup strategy behind all these elements, including the semipro league plan.
The six franchises would need to meet criteria, including quality of facilities and enter a partnership agreement with the SRU.
Meanwhile, there could be more clarity in the professional tier today with rumours circulating yesterday that the now Guinness Pro14 could be set to give details of this season’s structure and the inclusion of South African sides Cheetahs and Kings.
It is expected that the 201718 championship will be split into two conferences of seven, with Glasgow and Edinburgh in separate sections but still facing each other during the season.
One big name set to be involved in the new-look Pro14 is Wales and Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny, who is reported to be on the verge of a move to champions Scarlets, in a deal partly funded by the WRU.
Halfpenny is out of contract after spending three seasons with French club Toulon.
It was expected that the 28-year-old would stay in France but last month Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal said that his contract would not be renewed because he had missed too many games through injuries and international commitments.
Halfpenny previously played for Cardiff Blues. Formeredinburghandireland head coach Michael Bradley has been named head coach of Italian side Zebre ahead of the new Guinness Pro12 season.
Zebre are now under the control of the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR), who confirmed yesterday that Bradley would take charge of the Parma-based outfit.
A statement from the FIR read: “With the appointment of the new chief executive officer (Dr Andrea Dalledonne), the composition of the franchise’s technical staff was also defined, the guidance of which was entrusted to Michael Bradley, (who) until last season (was) assistant coach of the Georgian national team, currently ranked 12th in World Rugby.
“His name was indicated by Conor O’shea (national team head coach) with a view of full technical alignment between Italy and the two Pro12 franchises.”
Bradley, 54, will have former Italy players Carlo Orlandi and Alessandro Troncon alongside him on his coaching staff.
The former scrum-half won 40 caps for Ireland between 1984 and 1995 and began his coaching career with the country’s under-21 side in 2002.
He coached Connacht between 2003 and 2010 and was Ireland’s interim head coach for the 2008 summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.
Bradley was appointed head coach of Edinburgh on a two-year contract in May 2011, guiding the pro club to the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup, before becoming Georgia assistant coach in 2013.