EDINBURGH RUGBY have defended a decision that ended with their fringe players missing Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership club action to coach youngsters and afterwards watch a European Cup tie instead.
The Capital side had come under attack for the move although they admitted it was necessary to have their reserves coaching local youngsters before taking their seats in the stand for the Edinburgh match against Leinster. Speaking before that game an
Edinburgh spokesman has been telling the "Hawick News" in response to criticisms from Hawick coach, Jim Hay: "The plan behind our Kids for Free promotion has been to try to encourage more people, including new people to become interested in our sport. More than 1000 children will be taking part in a range of activities from 9.30am followed by the game in the afternoon.
"The players outwith the match 22 will always be an integral part of our match day – but even more so this weekend – as their attendance has been a key part of the message to this audience."
Edinburgh also said that the fixture scheduling – they would have preferred a Friday night instead of clashing with the Saturday afternoon Premiership programme – was outwith their control.
"The Heineken Cup fixture schedule is determined by ERC in conjunction with its partners. We endeavour to play all our home games on Fridays so that we can avoid a clash with the community game but unfortunately on this occasion we have no choice in the matter.
"We have been working with Scottish Rugby's development team to deliver a large attendance.
"Schools from across our region will be coming en masse either as a reward for the work they have already undertaken with development staff or for their first experience of rugby."
The full article contains 295 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
