Scottish RU ‘dismayed’ as Patterson departs Edinburgh

THE Scottish Rugby Union have demanded answers from Edinburgh after Scotland full-back Chris Paterson was allowed to leave the club and join Gloucester.

The 29-year-old’s reasons for moving have not been revealed, however his exit comes at a time when Edinburgh are involved in a bitter dispute with the SRU over match fees which appears set to be fought out in court.

Paterson was one of a dozen Edinburgh players refused permission by the Magners League club to attend Scotland training earlier this month.

Edinburgh confirmed that Paterson, who captained Scotland during the RBS 6 Nations Championship due to Jason White’s unavailability through injury, had left Murrayfield “by mutual consent and with immediate effect”.

That prompted the SRU to reveal their astonishment that a player so integral to Frank Hadden’s national team had been allowed to become another exile, despite having one year left on his contract.

“Scottish Rugby is dismayed to hear the news that Chris Paterson is to leave Edinburgh Rugby with immediate effect to join the English Premiership club Gloucester,” said a statement from the SRU.

“Scottish Rugby has written to Edinburgh Rugby asking for their explanation for Paterson’s departure and how this affects their obligations to Scottish Rugby. An urgent response has been requested.”

Paterson, who made his Scotland debut at the 1999 World Cup, has played 74 matches for his country and is one of the world’s most reliable kickers.

He spent eight years at Edinburgh but had been linked with a move to Gloucester for several months. He joins fellow senior internationals Chris Cusiter (Perpignan), Scott Murray (Montauban) and Simon Taylor (Stade Francais) in securing moves away from Scotland for next season.

It emerged last month that Paterson was relinquishing the captaincy at Edinburgh with the job to be shared by Allister Hogg and Simon Cross.

Paterson said last night: “I would like to thank Edinburgh for the opportunity to continue my career elsewhere and I wish everyone at Edinburgh every success in the coming season.”

Edinburgh coach Lynn Howells attempted to play down the significance of Paterson’s departure, before the SRU made their position clear.

Meanwhile Edinburgh owner Bob Carruthers has stressed Stephen Larkham, the veteran Australia fly-half, will definitely join after the World Cup.

Larkham has agreed a two-year deal and Carruthers insisted the club’s dispute with the SRU, from which Edinburgh became independent last year, will not affect the 33-year-old’s move to Scotland.