HARD HITTING VIEW

The SRU had its knuckles rapped when World Rugby imposed a £70,000 fine, and insisted they apologise for the way in which they reacted to the Typhoon Hagibis situation during the World Cup.

Mark Dodson is at the centre of the storm, and has been canvassing support from the clubs, citing various press articles that have been biased in favour of the Union’s position.

Dodson’s words “brought rugby into disrepute”.

That is something I was found guilty of in the past, having criticised the performance of a referee in a crucial league match.

My sanction was to be banned from any involvement in rugby for the remainder of the season.

So being told to apologise and receiving a fine seems like a fairly modest sanction in the modern game, given the very public nature of the dispute on a global stage.

It is a shame this issue continues to be played out in public as neither the SRU nor World Rugby is enhancing their reputation.

Scottish Rugby struggles for respect from the wider rugby world on and off the pitch and, while I’m sure many sympathised with their position at the World Cup, the sooner a line is drawn under this the better.

The irony is that when the game

‘ It is a shame this issue continues to be played out in public

was played, Scotland were defeated fair and square by Japan.

That almost underlined how embarrassing the SRU’s aggressive and confrontational stance had been, no matter the degree to which their argument had substance.

During the week, Saracens were also in trouble – being found guilty of breaching the salary cap in the Premiership – and their sanction has been much more punitive.

A fine of £5.36 million and a 35-point deduction in this year’s league table is much more severe than the SRU’s sanction.

Unsurprisingly, Saracens intend to appeal as they are likely to face relegation from the Premiership, which itself is costly.

The issue revolves around owner Nigel Wray investing in businesses belonging to Saracens players, which has been perceived as paying players outside of the salary cap.

Compared to the SRU’s £70,000 fine, the Saracens punishment seems extreme and it would be interesting to discover exactly how both fines were arrived at.

The reality is that no-one is winning in this and, if anything, a shadow is being cast over the game of rugby.

Sometimes it is best to swallow your pride, take your medicine and move on graciously.

This is one of those times for everyone concerned.