BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Scottish | Protest call over Reivers closure

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

---------------

	CHOOSE A SPORT

RELATED BBC SITES

Last Updated: Tuesday, 3 April 2007, 12:14 GMT 13:14 UK

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version

Protest call over Reivers closure

Rugby fans are set to protest over plans to disband Border Reivers

Rugby fans and Borders Council are urging protests over the Scottish Rugby Union's decision to scrap Border Reivers at the end of the season.

The Border Reivers Action Group and the council carried a newspaper advert on Tuesday, criticising the move.

They described it as "one of the most misguided and unpopular decisions in the history of the game".

The SRU has defended its move to cut the number of professional teams in Scotland from three to two.

Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh will be the two pro clubs in Scotland next season, following the SRU's review of professional rugby.

We have no confidence in the ability of the SRU to protect and nurture the game of rugby in Scotland

Borders Council statement

But the move has angered fans, who are also upset over news that Edinburgh owner Bob Carruthers had a bid for Borders rejected by the SRU last year.

A full-page advert in the Scotsman newspaper criticised the decision and urging a protest at Murrayfield.

A rescue plan will be presented to the SRU on Thursday and has received backing from Borders Council.

The following evening, supporters are being urged to protest during the Magners League match between Edinburgh and Newport Gwent Dragons at Murrayfield.

In its statement, the Borders Council said: "This council deplores the decision taken by the Scottish Rugby Union to close down the Border Reivers professional rugby team at the end of the current season.

Chris Cusiter in action for Border Reivers
Borders players like Chris Cusiter may have to look for another club

"This council regrets that the SRU has failed to engage with the institutions of civic life and other stakeholders to build a consensus around action required to promote and develop the game in the 21st century.

"We have no confidence in the ability of the SRU to protect and nurture the game of rugby in Scotland."

The SRU said it was unrealistic to continue running three professional teams in Scotland.

The governing body said Glasgow Warriors would receive extra funding as a result of the Reivers' closure.

Several Borders players will be transferred to the Warriors for next season but a number have been told to find new clubs as part of the cost-cutting process.