Scottish rugby chiefs bring in Genesis

The Scottish Rugby Union have commissioned strategic management consultants, Genesis, to find ways to improve the game in Scotland.

Other stakeholders in the sport, such as fans and sponsors, will be invited to give their opinion on the future of the game on February 8 where the SRU will host two meetings for 500 people.

Genesis famously worked with the FAI in the aftermath of the Roy Keane debacle and have also previously worked with the Irish Rugby Union.

Scottish Institute of Sport chairman Alistair Gray will lead the assignment.

Genesis will undertake major consultation for the Scottish rugby community to share their views on the future shape of the game.

SRU executive board chairman David Mackay will also lead a Strategy Development Group, comprising executive and non-executive directors.

An SRU statement said: “The state of club rugby, the basis of our existence as a sport, is not as healthy as required for the future development of the game

“Despite improving results from our three professional teams, culminating in Edinburgh reaching the inaugural Celtic Cup final, the performance of our international team is fragile and the cost of participation in European and Celtic competition is increasing

“Our main sources of income have come under greater pressure – for example, the reduction in television revenues from the Six Nations/ERC and the cost of participation in the Rugby World Cup

“Despite cost-reduction measures taken in 2002, we require to make a step change in our financial performance, to ensure we have the resources to put towards the development of rugby at all levels.”

Now, the SRU are targeting improved performances, debt reduction, optimised return from assets and the resolution of issues blocking progress to improve the game

The SRU board have initiated a review of the current strategy in the game, which will present its findings at the AGM next June.