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London Scottish turn to SRU

Thursday 15th May 2008

London Scottish are attempting to secure funding from the SRU as they bid to regain the professional status that saw them run into financial difficulties and drop nine divisions in 1999.

A meeting between club representatives and SRU representatives has been suggested, with the club relvealing on its website that discussions with the SRU on the matter are now ongoing.

London Scottish are currently in England's National League Three South, two promotions away from the National Division One which is expected to be fully professional by 2011.

"Two groups of London Scottish members have agreed to help finance our path back, and have so far committed £1m, some of which we have already received. In addition discussions have been held with the SRU on the possibility of their participation," read the message on the club website.

Any financial aid to the club would casuse consternation among the Scottish clubs, who are currently cash-strapped as a result of the SRU's mountain of debt.

"Discussions are ongoing with London Scottish. Clearly these are sensitive so we would not comment other than to note that any investment would require to be in the best interests of Scottish Rugby as a whole," said an SRU spokesman to the Scotsman.

"We are not aware of any London Scottish plans to stage a forum in Edinburgh."

One of the mooted ideas for support for the club is the use of it to give fringe players from Glasgow or Edinburgh some game time.

"We want to move the club back up the leagues," said London Scottish President Rod Lynch.

"Population-wise, London is the third biggest Scottish city and we want to tap into that. We believe there is huge potential to benefit Scottish rugby and would ideally like to add to our proud record of producing more internationalists (221) than any other Scottish club.

"The SRU already take a keen interest in London Scottish (through an Academy structure).

"The stronger we get, the more opportunities there will be to bring on promising young Scottish players."