Rugby: Fans chief welcomes new coach but demands change

Published on Friday 5 June 2009 10:26

A SPOKESMAN for Scotland's leading rugby fans organisation today gave a qualified welcome to Andy Robinson as national coach but called for more pro-active thinking within the Murrayfield establishment.

Neil Hunter, from the Forum of Scottish Rugby Supporters, stressed: "A lot of people wish to welcome on board Andy Robinson," but also said: "There's not enough money for a third (pro) team and a whole new approach to investment is needed. With two pro sides, with the best will in the world there are only going to be 30 players on the pitch at any time."

Mr Hunter, who was also critical of an announcement taking place on the day of major political elections so as to reduce impact, said the Robinson era was getting underway at a difficult time.

"Scotland can't fill a stadium during the Six Nations. It is going to be really, really hard to get supporters back."

A few weeks ago former director of rugby Jim Telfer labelled the selection process "a charade" and Hunter made it clear he would have liked to have seen more established names in the frame.

SRU chief executive Gordon McKie is adamant other high quality candidates were assessed, saying: "A number of other candidates had international playing and coaching experience but Andy's personal atttudes will have an enormous impact."