Time will tell if this is two steps in the right direction
Scottish Rugby made two announcements in recent days, both of which had the ultimate objective of increasing the number of Scottish-qualified players.
At one end of the spectrum, the former Scotland international, Peter Walton, has been appointed the snappily-titled Scottish Qualified Performance Player Transition Manager.
At the other end of the scale, a six-year strategy document was published with the aim of increasing participation in state schools, which includes an investment of more than £500,000 annually.
While the latter is to be welcomed, especially because over 95% of Scotland’s children are educated in the state sector, it is hard not to feel that it may be too little, too late.
What’s more, the document is a little light in respect of detail on targets and outcomes for the strategy.
Ever since the teachers’ strikes of the 1980s, rugby has suffered in state schools.
While the gap was partially filled by forward-thinking clubs, who provided youth sections for aspiring rugby enthusiasts, there was a huge loss of players to the game.
Many schools which had previously been bastions of rugby, providing a steady stream of players into Scottish Schoolboy teams, became stripped of players, never to return.
This investment may hardly scratch the surface of the problem, such are the challenges of attracting young people into the sport.
And, with the controversies surrounding head injuries hanging over the game, Scottish Rugby may be facing an uphill battle.
Which is why Peter Walton’s
appointment is so encouraging. Despite being educated at Merchiston in Edinburgh, Walton spent most of his time as a player and coach south of the border.
But in doing so, he will have gained valuable experiences.
His remit will encompass both men and women, and his patch is extensive as he will look for Scottish-qualified players from across the globe.
Walton’s role will focus on players aged 18 and over, who can come into the Scotland Under-20 squad initially.
But he will also consider players who could join the two professional teams in Scotland.
It will be interesting to see whether it includes the so-called “project players”, who could ultimately qualify for Scotland after a period of residency.
A richer hunting ground for Walton is likely to be New Zealand, where the Scottish connections and lineage is far stronger.
Walton would do well to head south to scout for emergent
talent from the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Encouraging youngsters to participate in rugby is increasingly challenging.
They need good role models in the men’s and women’s game to be their inspiration and motivation to continue to enjoy a sport whose values are so well-respected.
These two announcements are a good start – but can’t be relied on in isolation to solve a big problem.