Solly Going Had To Happen, But Was This The Best Time for It?

There have surely been quieter weeks in Scottish Rugby. Not a lot has happened this week, but, what has happened has been significant, not least with the departure of Alan Solomons from his job with Edinburgh.

For a time, “Solly” has been a veritable dead man walking. Edinburgh simply was not working and perhaps he should have been let go at the end of last season, it might have given the new man time to set-up the club for the new season, instead, Duncan Hodge, or whoever gets the job, will have to fire-fight on two fields: sorting-out the second half of the season, while planning for a better 2017-18.

Who might the new man be? It is anyone's guess, but, as I have said before – Stuart Lancaster has Scottish experience and might be gettable. But, maybe some of the younger Scottish coaches deserve a chance to show what they can do.

However, there is the additional complication, also revealed this week, that the SRU is seeking outside investment in the two pro teams. IF someone is interested in investing in Edinburgh – how much of a say will they want in who gets the coaching job? We live in interesting times indeed.

If outside investment happens, and the clubs will be put under enormous pressure from the Murrayfield “suits” to allow this, perhaps the time has come for central playing contracts, if only to guard the Union's investment in the players. This, and several other issues will have to be raised.

I also hope, at the extraordinary meeting, the Premiership clubs push for some action on the long discussed semi-pro league. Now, this really is a hot potato, but, I think it has to happen.

Sorting-out clear guidelines between the top club sides and the two pro teams has to be a priority. There is already enough talk about some clubs having otherwise idle pros in their match-day squads; now we have the situation whereby the pro clubs are borrowing Premiership players, with Matt Fagerson and Rob McAlpine involved at Newport tonight.

Such traffic would be better-controlled with proper up and down protocols in place, and a more-professional Premiership.

SPEAKING of the Premiership, after last week's big battle at Millbrae, tomorrow's fixtures, on paper, lack lustre. That is not to say the capacity for shocks is not there. It will be interesting to see how Ayr go at Meggatland, without Rob McAlpine, against a Boroughmuir pack who will thoroughly examine the credentials of the Alloway side's pack.

Can Hawick kick-on from last week's maiden win, at Old Anniesland, against a Hawks side starting to realise a top four finish is well within their grasp, and, how will Watsonians fare in the maroons battle at Netherdale? The Premiership is a cracking contest and, tomorrow's games are anything but mundane looking – give it a try.

ON THAT same subject – trying things. Can this site blow a trumpet for another new rugby website. If you have not yet seen David Barnes's excellent theoffsideline.com – why not. For my money, this is the best rugby website in Scotland, give it a go, you will not be short-changed. It is a terrific place for news and comment on Scottish rugby.