Yes vote to open Edinburgh and Glasgow to outside investment

The motion to approve external funding for Scotland's two professional teams was passed unanimously at a Scottish Rugby Union Special General Meeting at BT Murrayfield.

Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson welcomed the result of the vote. Picture: SNS

The necessary number of votes to make the meeting quorate was easily
achieved and a show of hands displayed clear assent from the 167 member clubs and associate body delegates present, with no objections.

SRU chief executive Mark Dodson now has the green light to pursue investors who will partner the union in funding Edinburgh, Glasgow and the National Academy system, a move which he and the SRU Board believe is necessary to protect the domestic game from spiralling wage inflation in the professional game.

Dodson indicated that the search will now begin and added: “We have spoken to lot of people across Europe and North America for sponsorships in the past and they’ll be one of our first ports of call.”

Dodson explained the plan was for a Newco to be created to run the pro teams, in which the union would, ideally, have a controlling stake – although he indicated they wouldb e open to a larger investor share.

Retaining a minimum percentage of Scottish qualified players in the pro team squads and release for international duty would be enshrined in any partnership agreement.

SRU president Rob Flockhart, who proposed the motion, thanked members for turning up in requisite numbers and voting in favour.

He said: “In my covering letter that went out to the clubs I wrote that the history of Scottish rugby has been characterised by a willingness to make bold decisions. We continue to be ambitious in our drive to develop the game.

“Your support this evening has been a critical step to enable us to develop the domestic game in allowing us to seek external investment to keep our pro teams competitive.

“We will now send your executives out into the world to find cash.”

Dodson said that the SRU’s recent experience of attracting sponsorship deals, including the large one with BT which included the naming rights of BT Murrayfield, would stand them in good stead for this new project and added: “ We’re used to going out and selling things of this nature.

“There is a process you have to go through. You prepare your sales document, look at your market and make sure you go to the people who can fulfil the requirements.”