Hawick will wait to see the details before responding to a new SRU proposal for a six-franchise semi-pro league which would represent a big shake-up of club rugby.
The governing body faces a challenge to convince clubs over plans which will be explained in detail by chief executive Mark Dodson at tomorrow’s SRU AGM.
Reports have emerged that the union envisages investing at least £100,000 annually into each of the “franchises” over the first five years from season 2019-20, which would total over £3million, in an attempt to bridge the gap between the club and professional game.
The six teams would contest a league, with play-offs to follow. It is understood one team would be based in the Borders, one in Glasgow, one in Edinburgh, one in the North and Midlands district, plus two others.
There is also a good deal of scepticism from some quarters, and Hawick president John Thorburn awaits with interest further clarity from the union.
He told The Hawick Paper: “We’ve not had any official papers from the union. It is all speculation until we go to the AGM. It is difficult to comment. We are aware they were trying to come up with a proposal, but we haven’t seen anything in writing. We won’t discuss it at Hawick until we see the paper and the detail.”
Melrose are thought to be the leading contenders to secure the Borders franchise, given their performances on the pitch and financial clout.
Although Hawick and Melrose are the only two Borders clubs in the BT Premiership, the Greens avoided relegation in a play-off while Rose were runners-up and BT Cup winners.
Melrose are aiming to raise enough money to install a 3G pitch, floodlights and a new stand, while the SRU previously invested in Netherdale to provide a home for the now defunct Borders Reivers pro team.
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