BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | International | SRU tackle Pountney claims

The Scottish Rugby Union has admitted it "may not have been sensitive" in demanding Budge Pountney pay �7.50 for a replacement Scotland tie.

Pountney retired from Test rugby with immediate effect on Wednesday after walking out on a national training session.

And the SRU promised to "strengthen its communication chain" in the light of the player's outspoken attack on the organisation's approach.

SRU chief executive Bill Watson issued a statement giving a point-by-point response to the issues raised by Pountney.

Pountney quits Scotland

Pountney was shocked that he was asked to pay for his replacement tie.

We do charge when people ask for extra items of kit but in the instance to which he referred, we may not have been sensitive or got the balance right.

He complained that players wives were being left on their own, while the "blazered brigade" have their wives on SRU accounts.

Our policy on international away trips is that when the wives/partners of players, general committee or officials eat with the official party then the SRU picks up the bill.

When individuals choose to do their own thing then they pay themselves.�

We were aware of a situation in Paris two years ago when it appeared the wives of players and officials had to pay but the Union did pay that bill.� �

Pountney was also unhappy about the lack of basic equipment available.

Our policy is to have water available at all Scotland training sessions.

We are aware of one incident where the water for the Scotland team was taken by mistake by another team who were also training at Murrayfield.

We do not carry sets of studs because a player is responsible for his own boots.

We have some studs for emergency situations and, indeed, earlier this season because of pitch and weather conditions we did buy a set of studs for players.

Scotland technical coach Alan Tait
Tait joined Lam for a drink before the SA game

And Pountney was angered by an SRU fax indicating players would not be given a bar tab after beating South Africa.

Following the Scotland v South Africa game the players were not in camp again officially for two days.� In general terms team hotels are sent detailed instructions on requirements after games (including nutritional advice).�

Clearly, given Scotland's momentous win against South Africa, it was absolutely right that the team manager determined there should be a bar tab after the game.

The SRU statement added: "The SRU is fully behind Ian McGeechan as Scotland coach and seeks to provide at all times the very necessary support structures to give the national team every chance of success on the field."


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