Rugby: Deans says guile essential for new chief

Scottish Rugby's new chief executive must have the contacts and expertise to operate successfully in the transfer market, a former World Cup captain claimed today.

With Edinburgh and Glasgow centrally-owned any signings must have the approval of the Murrayfield governing body,

And Colin Deans, who led Scotland to the first global tournament in 1987 and is now a successful businessman, says: "I've been concerned for some time that Scottish Rugby has been paying over the market rate, especially when it came to retaining players.

"Gordon McKie did a good job in many respects but I'm less comfortable when I hear some of the salaries that are bandied about, especially to keep players in Scotland.

"Somebody responsible for signing off any deals and with rugby contacts would be able to network and gain a better impression of what the actual going rate is."

• LASSWADE and Accies are among entrants for Edinburgh's second annual rugby 10-a-side tournament at Raeburn Place on Saturday from 11am-6pm.

• WATSONIANS require a new flanker after Jonny Pelter signed for English side, Coventry. The ex-Bedford rugby academy prospect has completed studies and is ready to return south.