Shake-up of youth season can improve skill levels

THERE has probably been enough hot air vented on summer rugby to melt the very stuff that is causing the current debate. This, however, is not a new topic and it is worth remembering that no less a person than Jim Telfer suggested over a decade ago that at youth level serious consideration should be given to playing in 'better' weather.

That was back in 1998 just after Scotland had suffered an ignominious defeat by Fiji in Suva and had stuttered at the start of their tour to Australia. Telfer, appalled by the Scots' low level of handling, opined that if youngsters learned rugby in good weather, as they did in Australia, then they would acquire the skills necessary to compete with the best.

One obvious problem for under-18 rugby moving out of the cold is the independent schools sector. As these schools do not exist for the sole purpose of teaching rugby they simply could not consider a changing their season. Moreover the independent sector does such a good job already that it would seem churlish to force any change on it. Levelling up is what is wanted; not levelling down.

"Our summer term is too short and there are exams at the time of year" says Ian Brown, of George Watson's College, one of about a dozen schools in Scotland synonymous with excellence in the game.

But club rugby at under-18 level is another matter altogether.

So why not be radical? Play youth rugby entirely in British Summer Time with say July off to respect the traditional summer holiday period. Just think how much could be saved by not having to use floodlighting, how much more enjoyable it would be for players and coaches, and how much more successful it might be in retaining players sick of dark, wet, windy nights. And, what's more, the skill levels – handling, kicking and running – might even improve.

And what about the off-season? November to March would be the perfect time.

Meanwhile, the semi-finals of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools under-18 Cup look likely to go ahead a week on Saturday provided, of course, there is a change in the current cold weather conditions.

"That would give us a decent gap before the final (11 February at Murrayfield]," said Merchiston's director of rugby, Brendan McKerchar, whose team will face Stewart's-Melville College at Colinton in what is expected to be an afternoon game.

The other under-18 semi-final between Edinburgh Academy and George Watson's College is being planned for the same day with an 11am kick-off time.

In the event of further postponements, the semi-finals could be shifted to Murrayfield.