Melrose concern in bid for new TV deal

THE STRONG support for the SRU's bid to secure a better TV deal did not pass without challenge at Holyrood yesterday as Borders MSP Jeremy Purvis questioned the union's willingness to move Melrose Sevens along with other events away from the BBC.

Purvis welcomed Sarah Boyack's motion and voiced his support for the call for more televised rugby, but alerted the chamber to the fact that while BBC Scotland remain keen to continue their coverage of the Melrose Sevens, they may not have the opportunity to do so if the SRU - who have always negotiated the rights fee on Melrose's behalf - fail to reach agreement with the BBC and sign up instead with a satellite, cable or pay-per-view broadcaster.

The Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale MSP said: "In many areas, the BBC provide a platform and access for all viewers on BBC Scotland for its coverage and I would have concern about where the sevens would play in what is fast becoming a dispute between the SRU and BBC.

"While I understand absolutely why the SRU are in this position, and they are the guardians of the game in Scotland and are charged with securing the best deal for the game, there is a danger that a victim of a switch in coverage from the BBC to satellite or cable would be the Melrose Sevens."

His fear surrounds Melrose's ability to fund what has become an increasingly costly tournament, but brought an estimated 5m into the Borders economy over the past three years.

The club has struggled to entice top-level sponsors and fear that, without the exposure that BBC Scotland gives to the event, the tournament would have to be scaled down.

The frustration stems from the fact that BBC Scotland do wish to continue with the agreement, but the SRU insist it is part of a complete rugbypackage.