SRU chief executive: 'We're looking at an £18million shortfall'
Chief executive Mark Dodson revealed the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has reminded its players of their responsibilities as professionals as the governing body looks to offset losses of around £18million this year.
Dodson recognises the severity of the situation in Aberdeen, where coronavirus cases are spiking and two Dons football players tested positive, with six others self-isolating, after a recent trip to the pub.
That has led to Aberdeen’s Scottish Premiership encounter against St Johnstone being postponed, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accusing the players of putting the return of football at risk after a “clear breach” of protocols.
And the matter has sharpened minds ahead of rugby’s return in Scotland, where Glasgow and Edinburgh are set to resume their PRO14 campaigns with two derbies at Murrayfield on August 22 and 28.
Dodson said: “We reminded our pro players (on Friday) morning of their responsibility.
“We’re ready to resume but we’re very much keeping in mind the threat of Covid-19 and I think this is a clear reminder of the danger of Covid-19, not just in sport but to society as a whole, and we’re cognisant of that.
“When you see things that have happened over the last two or three weeks across the country, you are reminded that this is a societal issue and we have to remain governed by the medical advice that we’ve been given.”
Dodson is “hopeful” one of the Glasgow-Edinburgh matches will see some fans in attendance and rejected speculation that what has happened in Aberdeen may have been a setback to spectators coming back into stadiums.
He added: “I don’t think so. We’ve been working very closely and we’ve been unequivocal around the steps that we’re taking to make sure we’re as safe as possible as a sport can be in order to resume.
“Our message is clearly understood and is getting a very good hearing inside the Government.”
Latest estimates show the SRU is projected to lose £18m this year, according to Dodson, who admitted that figure could rise sharply if the public health crisis impacts the 2021 Six Nations, with Scotland set to host three games.
Dodson said: “The scenarios are moving all the time, that’s one of the problems we’ve got. We’ve got a good handle on what kind of shortfall we’re looking at and we’re looking at an £18million shortfall in our revenues this year.
“It’s a serious situation as far as we’re concerned and we’re taking all the appropriate steps to manage that.
“I would say £18m is at the more harsh end but it only needs the Six Nations to be cancelled and then we’re into a whole new scenario.”
The figure has not factored in crowds attending autumn internationals, with traditional Tests set to be replaced by a new eight-team tournament involving the Six Nations sides, plus Japan and Fiji.
Dodson said: “I’m pretty optimistic about that, there’s a good chance it will take place. We’ve had extensive negotiations, not only with the Six Nations (teams) but with Japan and Fiji.
“We think we’re close to being able to announce that.”
The finale of this year’s Six Nations will be held on October 31, with Scotland travelling to Wales – although the fixture will be held away from the Principality Stadium as it is being used as a temporary hospital.
Asked whether he had a preference for where the game is staged, Dodson added: “No, we’ll play anybody anywhere. You’re either good enough or you’re not good enough.”
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
37 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
37 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
37 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
49 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
37 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
37 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
37 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
37 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments