Rugby Union: Newcastle in conflict with national demands
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Scotland team manager, Arthur Hastie, is seeking urgent talks with the Rugby Football Union and Newcastle after the English club warned yesterday they may not release six players for international duty next week.
Newcastle want the Scottish quartet Doddie Weir, Gary Armstrong, Peter Walton and George Graham, plus Ireland's Nick Popplewell and Ross Nesdale, for a Second Division match against Rotherham on Saturday.
After initially agreeing to a postponement, Rotherham are refusing to switch the game, which clashes with Scotland's Test against Australia, Scotland A's international with South Africa A and an Irish squad session.
"As far as I am aware, the International Board ruling says national teams have first call on players," Hastie said. "England brought out a ruling that three England players had to be involved before a club could get dispensation to reschedule a league match. The regulations do not mention anything about Scottish players."
Rob Andrew, the Newcastle director of rugby, is reluctant to withdraw his players from international squads, but because of a rule change the club are powerless to insist on a postponement.
"We have asked the RFU and Epruc to try to find a workable solution, and that must be done quickly," the club said in a statement.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments