Coronavirus: Madras finances will go “to the wire”

After it became apparent the fixture list was likely to be decimated for some time, Scottish Rugby were swift to announce a Club Hardship Fund for its members to apply to.

Madras, like others across the country, are having to count to financial cost and its implications in the wake of the virus.

The sport’s governing body has since announced that it has scrapped the current season and will instead begin again, when circumstances allow, for the 2020/21 campaign.

Colin McAdam, president of Madras, says the enforced lay-off is likely to cost the club thousands.

Costs, including rents and other rates, will still have to be met with no clubhouse takings or gate receipts to contribute.

“At the moment I think we’re looking at being £3000 down on where we should be,” said Mr McAdam.

“As well as money over the bar at games, the club also holds Christenings and wedding receptions that we’ll lose out on and also the Tartan Touch (a fun, social rugby event) which keeps us going during the summer.

“These are big losses and will take us to the wire.

“But we should be ok.”

Madras ended the season sitting seventh in the nine team Tennent’s Caledonia Midlands Region League Division 2.

Whilst clubs across all sports wait anxiously to see if their season will also close early, and what that would mean for promotion and relegation, the issue isn’t so concerning at the level Madras play.

Promotion doesn’t have to be accepted while dispensations can be granted against relegation.

There is still frustration at the club, though, with a handful of the remaining Madras home games scheduled to be played against sides around them in the league.

Mr McAdam praised Scottish Rugby for the introduction of its hardship fund, and says that cash will be vital.

He said: “It’s great that Scottish Rugby moved so quickly - but we’ll still struggle.

“Clubs can apply for a maximum of £5000 and we’ll be hoping for the full amount because we’re trying to run a business.”