Parker speaks out on Melrose IRB 7s
Thursday, September 28 2006
SBC Leader David Parker yesterday put the record straight on local efforts to bring the first leg of the IRB Rugby 7s to Melrose.
Mr Parker said, “I am bitterly disappointed to hear through the media that the SRU is going it alone to bring the IRB 7s tournament to Murrayfield.
I want to put the record straight.
A partnership of Eventscotland, Scottish Enterprise Borders, Melrose Rugby Club and Scottish Borders Council have been working hard for two years to prepare a business case to bring this world class event to Melrose for five years. We thought the SRU was also a fully committed partner in this enterprise.
From the start it was recognised that a company would be created to manage the event, with all partners having an equal share. The SRU was offered a place on the management board. It was not expected that the SRU would make any direct funding contribution.
Firm and approved funding commitments have been made by the public partners to support the agreed business case. The Council has made a firm commitment to provide support up to £299,000, with additional underwriting of £565,000.
The Council has also arranged to provide an interest free loan of £250,000 to meet the start-up costs of the new company. Other financial support from partner agencies, EventScotland and Scottish Enterprise Borders brings the total funding commitment to £2.14 million to the event over the five years. This funding commitment covers all the costs of the event, including the temporary stands. This is all documented.
Unfortunately the SRU wants all of this and more. After months of prevarication, it turns out that the SRU wants all of this public money simply to be handed over as a gift. The SRU wants complete control of the whole event. The SRU wants the right of veto over staff appointments.
We are quite simply not free to agree to such unreasonable terms.
If rugby is to flourish in Scotland again, the SRU needs to work in partnership with people who are well inclined towards it. If it fails to learn this lesson, Scottish rugby will be left with a dwindling circle of friends.”
Unified Solutions.