They haven't really amalgamated clubs, they've set up new professional teams in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Borders. The idea is similar to Super 14, concentrate the top players in a handful of sides that can then serve as a feeder for the National side. Bear in mind that there are only 10,000 registered senior men players in Scotland (less than Canada) and I'd guess they are heavily concentrated in Edinburgh and the Borders.
Aside from a smaller player base there is one real difference between rugby and football. In rugby, it's the international side that makes the money. The international side subsidises club rugby. Therefore, there is a strong argument for managing affairs so that money from (eg) the Scottish international side is used to pay Scottish players not handed over to the clubs to pay for semi-retired South Africans.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2006-03-06 11:57 am (UTC)Aside from a smaller player base there is one real difference between rugby and football. In rugby, it's the international side that makes the money. The international side subsidises club rugby. Therefore, there is a strong argument for managing affairs so that money from (eg) the Scottish international side is used to pay Scottish players not handed over to the clubs to pay for semi-retired South Africans.