Work starts now to get Madras back on their field

Sadly the St Andrews based club has had to pull its senior team out of the remainder of its Midlands Division Two campaign due to a shortage of players.

President Craig Bones announced the decision recently, but added it was the full intention of Madras Rugby to take to the field again next season.

The Scottish Rugby Union has been quick to step in and offer assistance and the two will meet at the club on Tuesday at 7pm.

Mr Bones said: “We have decided to do it voluntarily as we feel it is only fair on all the other clubs in the league plus our regular boys that turn out to train and play.

“So next season we’ll be playing in division three.

“The club have received numerous emails of support from all clubs in our leagues and please note that there are a lot of clubs in a similar situation to us, so this decision was a really tough one to make, however the right one for now.”

The work to get Madras back up and running again starts now, with the club expected to launch itself into the community in a bid to create a strong nucleus of local players to add to its regulars from the Armed Forces.

Mr Bones pointed out that the withdrawal of the senior side from its league has absolutely no impact on the running and organisation of the healthy youth teams associated with Madras.

As well as other clubs offering their support, the SRU itself is clearly also keen to ensure Madras gets itself back on its feet again.

Nick Rennie, Scottish Rugby’s head of club services, said: “We are aware of the club’s situation and we are currently supporting them to overcome some of the challenges they are facing to help improve their position in time for next season.”

All coaches and players have been asked to attend Tuesday’s meeting and any other interested parties, keen to support the club, are also invited. “The more support and help we have the better,” added Mr Bones.