Claims of a Scottish breakaway denied

Rugby Union

Boroughmuir's Ron Smith yesterday rejected claims that 10 of Scotland's leading clubs are threatening a breakaway from the Scottish because they are angry that the SRU has chosen to promote districts rather than clubs for next season's Heineken European Cup.

Smith was reacting to reports alleging that Boroughmuir, the champions Melrose, Stirling County, Heriot's FP, Watsonians, Hawick, Gala, Edinburgh Academicals, Jed-Forest and Currie were poised to quit the SRU. "There has been no discussion whatsoever on any suggested split with the SRU," he said.

The clubs have called a special general meeting of the SRU for 9 February, when the former Scotland captain Gavin Hastings will present their case for clubs to represent the country in Europe next season.

n Cardiff lock Stuart Roy and Maesteg scrum-half Kevin Ellis have lost their appeals to the Welsh to play in the Heineken League this season. Roy was not registered in the Cardiff squad by 31 October because of injury. Ellis, who returned from rugby league, was turned down as he switched codes after the deadline.