The season just past

[Croft_No.5]

So that's it for 2015/16. Where do we stand and where are the + and - points?

Fir me a bug plus has been the number of young Scots players coming through. Is this as a result of the academy system? If so then it is only the beginning as with the expansion and more BT money being ploughed un there will be more to come.

Big minus is a seeming unwillingness to address the need for a broader pro playing bad. The LS arrangements are all fine and dandy but we desperately need a 3rd pro team. Doesn't seem to be on the Horizon.

Definite improvement in the National team performance but needs to be better. We are though going to have a very experienced core of players come 2019.

Edinburgh are still a big disappointment, thank goodness for the Weeg, though they need to take the next step in Europe next season.

Min for me going forward is a Weeg 1/4 final in Europe, Edinburgh safely in top 6 and at least challenging for top 4. For the National team 5 wins over the Autumn and 6Ns and a WR ranking above 8.

Special mention for the 7s boys who despite the reduced emphasis did us proud.

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Agree with most of your comments.

What Glasgow have achieved this season is probably on par with last year when you think about it. To have lost that many players in a RWC season and only just missed out on the top of the table is nothing short of amazing.

Minus for me (and this has been a problem for years) is a complete lack of leaders at the Scottish pro teams. Jonny Gray is nothing short of phenomenal and is well on his way to becoming world class but he's no captain. Appreciate Glasgow are trying to address the bare cupboard by giving the armband to one of our best, young players that leads by example every game but he's still an introverted & shy bloke. Probably the best we have at the moment but it's a serious problem for both pro teams & Scotland.

I'm still not sure we're ready for a third pro team. If it were to be done it would need serious investment and a few years patience if you want it to work without depleting Glasgow and Edinburgh of their players. The other issue with locating a pro team outside of Edinburgh/Glasgow without a long-term home is a lack of alternative venues. It would be pretty easy to hold the SRU ransom if you have the only suitable stadia in town (eg Pittodrie)

[Mellsblue]

I thought I read/heard somewhere that someone - the guy who owns Aberdeen Asset Management I think - was happy to help bankroll a team in Aberdeen. Has this gone quiet or have I just made it up?

[Croft_No.5]

It has gone quiet for now and no you didn't imagine it. The Money v Control issue probably still terrifies the SRU and any Franchise type arrangement may not suit the investors. It should definitely be an objective preferably within the next 3-5 years.

[hp18]

I thought I read/heard somewhere that someone - the guy who owns Aberdeen Asset Management I think - was happy to help bankroll a team in Aberdeen. Has this gone quiet or have I just made it up?

Wasn't quite as simple as that iirc. From the AAM end..

[Big D]

Regarding the 3rd pro team, the PRO12 agreement is due to be looked at in 2 seasons time so there is two years to produce a sensible plan regarding the future of the competition.

As that is what will be needed as bringing in a 13th (and 14th if Italy want another as has been reported) then something will need to be done as the season is already long enough.

I think improving the level below would be a good start. Edit: They have toyed with ideas about a semi pro prem 1 but:
I'd quite like a full time A league (maybe U23 or some rule regarding nationalities/age) without the Italians. With a reformed Caledonia Reds and Borders making it 4 teams per "conference". Play each "own nation" team H/A play then play the other 8 teams once (4 home and 4 away reversing yearly). Then Top 2 of each go into play offs over 3 weekends. Best two records get byes, 3v6 and 4v5 then semis and final. Minimum of 14 games per team that way.