Man who flattened 'Buck' Shelford can be a big hitter for Edinburgh

Published on Thursday 12 August 2010 17:02

THERE have been times in the recent past when senior figures in Scottish rugby have been charged with being too deferential towards anything and anyone emanating from New Zealand. Such an accusation, however, could hardly be levelled at new Edinburgh Rugby chief executive Craig Docherty.

Indeed, it might even be suggested that, when Scotland's Autumn Test against the All Blacks comes around, our players could learn a lot from the healthy disrespect shown by Docherty when he came face to face with the Kiwis some years ago. A chartered accountant, he was living and working in Hong Kong, and won selection for the national team at both seven-a-side and 15s. Playing in the Hong Kong Sevens against a New Zealand team which included such stars as Wayne 'Buck' Shelford and Zinzan Brooke, Docherty knew his own side were outclassed, but gamely kept competing until the end.

Too gamely, says the version of the tale which has gained acceptance in some of the capital's clubhouses. According to that, Docherty simply barged into Shelford after the latter had scored a try.

The chief executive himself, though, recalls the incident somewhat differently. "Shelford was in the clear, he'd crossed our line, and was delaying touching down until someone got close to him," he explains, laughing fondly at the memory. "So I decided I better go and tackle him . . . '

He hesitates, so we prompt him to go on. And when he touched down, you had no time to pull out, is that right?

"Yes," he agrees. "But I did still get a penalty against me."

Ah well, maybe that example is not such a good one for today's generation of players to emulate after all. But the fact that he has rubbed shoulders with some of the greats of the game will do Docherty no harm as he settles in to his new post, and the fact he is just as willing to socialise at grassroots level will be even more harmful.

For, although based at Murrayfield, the 48-year-old has no intention of being confined to an office. Nor does he want his players to be seen only on the pitches at the national stadium.

For the pro team to thrive, Docherty argues, everyone involved in it has to keep in touch with the wider public. As a former coach at both Edinburgh University and Stewart's-Melville, Docherty is well aware that in the past there was a certain distrust between some clubs and the pro side. He is determined that his time in charge will be characterised by cooperation.

"I've been involved in the club side for a number of years, so I've been in clubhouses at five o'clock on a Saturday talking about Scottish rugby," he says. "No-one is hiding the issues from years gone by.

"Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors have a very similar template. It's absolutely crucial for the pro teams to engage the club sides.If that link isn't strong, there are no winners.

"In the good old days of FP rugby, chaps went along to Murrayfield because they knew the guys out on the pitch. That's why player appearances are crucial for us, to make sure that people in the rugby community feel engaged with Edinburgh. We do hundreds a year, through schools and clubs, and engaging with people who aren't into rugby.

"We're the only club in Edinburgh who gets the whole city. There's still huge potential to grow."

No matter how well Docherty and his colleagues engage with the outside world, no matter how innovative their marketing, their attempts to increase attendances at Edinburgh matches will be largely dependent on results. But, while recognising that fact, he also points out that the overall health of the team can only be helped by an increase in attendances and sponsorship.

"Results are key to everything. Everyone likes good results, from fans to sponsors. They give us momentum on so many different fronts.

"But results are not the only thing that matters. We are part of the governing body and have to be a platform for players to progress to the national team as well.

"And in a professional sport, money is key to everything. If we improve ticket sales and sponsorship, that remains in the Edinburgh pot, so that kind of success will hopefully breed success on the pitch as well."