Rugby: Scots poised to name weakened squad

By CHRIS RATTUE

Scotland appear ready to send a below-strength side to New Zealand next month, raising fears there will be a repeat of the disastrous rugby tour by England two years ago.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive David Rutherford was to contact the Scottish union overnight after reports that Scottish players have pulled out of consideration for the seven-match tour, which includes two tests.

The NZRFU would have to wait until Scotland selected their side, Rutherford said, and the team would have to be "manifestly" weakened before his union would contemplate taking any action He acknowledged there was a "development" aspect to the Scot-tish itinerary, with the tourists requesting that they play some lower-ranked sides.

"It is up to Scotland who they select and I don't think they are a country who would want to sully their reputation," Rutherford said.

"All teams make changes and what may appear to weaken a side, may in fact strengthen it by including players of the future."

England's Sunday Times newspaper has claimed that six so-called "exile players" contracted to clubs outside of Scotland have withdrawn from the tour.

The players are said to want a rest from rugby, partly to overcome injuries, but at least two are frustrated over payment negotiations.

They also want guarantees that if they are injured, their national union will cover their club salaries.

The newspaper said former Otago back John Leslie, his Newcastle team-mates Stuart Grimes and veteran lock Doddie Weir, as well as Stuart Reid, Bryan Redpath (Narbonne) and Kenny Logan (Wasps) did not want to tour.

Earlier reports said Leslie was in doubt because of an ankle injury, and he has said he wants to tour if fully fit.

The loss of any players would make it extraordinarily difficult for the Scots, and would be a public relations disaster in this country.

The New Zealand rugby public is thirsting for a major tour, for which Scotland hardly qualifies - and England's pathetic effort with a C-grade side in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa two years ago was an insult.

Scotland will play a Vikings team in Whangarei, East Coast/Poverty Bay, New Zealand Maori, Nelson Bays, Hawkes Bay, and tests in Dunedin and Auckland.

The International Rugby Board last year reiterated its determination to prevent under-strength teams going on tour, but it is difficult to enforce when players can claim they are injured. The problem over the Scottish tour also raises the issue of test football being undermined by professional clubs.

Bart Campbell, a London lawyer representing the "exile" players, said Scotland were probably the most underpaid rugby team in Europe, although that was not the main issue.

He said some would effectively be on unpaid leave and would not be paid the full amount if they were injured on tour and later missed club matches.