Magners League to give Italian verdict by Monday
The Italian Rugby Federation met with SRU board members in Rome at the end of last week and the SRU made clear its support for the entry of Treviso and Viadana to the Magners League, but also stipulated the fear the Scots have that the Celtic League operation remains far from the professional body that is required for it to be run efficiently, particularly with the new multi-million pound broadcast and commercial deals and large fan base the Italians propose to bring to the table.
The Welsh and Irish unions stated last week they were waiting for agreement from the SRU to proceed, however, the SRU has this week thrown the ball back into their court by demanding the Irish and Welsh unions agree to build a firmer administration around the sole employee, David Jordan, who is currently responsible for all aspects of the league from fixtures to media and commercial talks, helped by Magners' marketing department.
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Hide AdThe Italians have insisted that agreement must be reached by Monday as they have to now determine what shape their own domestic season will take, and whether Treviso and Viadana are to be part of it.
Dominic McKay, the SRU's director of communications, told The Scotsman yesterday: "We are discussing this as an organisation on a daily basis. The issue isn't about Italy, but about fixing our own set-up within the Celtic League.
"We have put a proposal to our colleagues in Ireland and Wales over that final hurdle in respect of the administration function of the Celtic League and are now waiting to hear back from them.
"It is absolutely vital that we get through with this as soon as possible to assist Italian colleagues with their planning, and to allow us to have everything in place for next season."
Asked if he could see it being agreed by Italy's Monday deadline, he sounded a note of optimism, saying: "Where's there's a will there is a way."