Rugby: Russell vows to continue his battle for museum

An impassioned address by Mr Russell, president of the Moray House club, brought promises that memorabilia would be brought from cold storage and displayed around the stadium at various points under plans for a "Hall of Fame".

Later Mr Russell said: "I am not satisfied and I am hoping I can rely on the Evening News to assist this worthwhile cause.

"The museum has been spoken about at every agm since before 2002. I have received assurances but if nothing is done I will look to put forward a formal motion next time.

"There used to be a museum housed within Murrayfield and it needs to be somewhere visitors can go to and look round at their leisure."

If Mr Russell represented a firebrand approach there were other awkward moments at the agm, notably in a written question, submitted in advance by Cumbernauld as required, and concerning remunerations for directors.

Replying, Finance Director Eamon Hegarty said this was "not traditionally revealed." He added: "This will be up for discussion at the next board meeting now that it has been raised."

While turnover rose to 33.6 million and there was an across the board increase in crowds at professional level at a time when the SRU overdraft dipped under 15 million, continuing sponsorship of club competition remained a concern.

"We will underwrite Scottish Hydro's sponsorship" pledged Gordon McKie at a time when some clubs are calling for the re-introduction of prize money.

Meanwhile, as forecast by the Evening News two months ago, there will be a new league structure at Premiership level next season following a vote in favour of three leagues of 12 teams meeting once before forming three pools of eight. The fixtures are expected to be unveiled shortly.