SRU ready to invite fans and sponsors to advice on reforms

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

Those involved in the sport, such as players, supporters and sponsors, will be invited to give their opinions on the future of the game in February when the SRU will hold two meetings, each for around 500 people. Genesis has previously worked with the Irish Rugby Union, the Rugby Football League, the Football Association of Ireland, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Golf. The chairman of the Scottish Institute of Sport, 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. The 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."

The SRU are targeting improved performances and debt reduction, with the board aiming to present its findings at the SRU's annual general meeting in June.