Scotland ditch student fixtures
December 23, 2002

The Scottish Rugby Union have followed the example of their Irish counterparts by dispensing with Scotland Students' matches this season.

The Students had been due to play their Welsh, English and French counterparts.

But SRU director of rugby Jim Telfer admits the decision is in line with the budget restrictions imposed from the professional game.

Telfer said: "We have to keep all elements of our budget under careful review and, with the arrival of our third professional team and the intensity of competition the pro-teams have faced this season, we have decided that, at this juncture, we do not require the Students' matches as part of our development portfolio."

However, the SRU will still be actively supportive of student rugby.

Scottish Universities are involved in the Under-20 District Championship while Scottish Universities will also play internationals against their Welsh and English counterparts. Scotland scrummage and line-out coach and Scotland A head coach, Hugh Campbell, remains Universities Development Officer.

And the decision the Scottish Students XV this season does not mean the team will miss out on the opportunity to improve on their third place in the 2004 World Cup.

However, the decision means pro-team players not involved in the Scotland and Scotland A squads will be able to represent clubs in the Integrated Trophy competition in the New Year.

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