Rugby Union: Scots look to continue the Irish link

The Scottish Rugby Union is desperately trying to convince counterparts in Dublin that a series involving their districts and Irish provinces - which has just spluttered into life for a second year - is worth preserving.

When the beer ran out midway through a reception in Limerick after Edinburgh had lost 16-13 to Munster, cynics interpreted it as the clearest indication yet of Ireland's half- hearted attitude.

Elsewhere, Glasgow and Leinster drew 19-19, South beat Ulster 20-19 and the North and Midlands defeated Connacht 28-26, while the SRU view is that players involved are bound to have had to raise their standards.

The Irish appear to be more than merely sceptical that an already crowded schedule can be further expanded. On Saturday, they withdrew their leading players for an international squad session and the same situation will apply for the final round of games next weekend.

One independent observer who sees merit in the exercise is Andy Leslie, the former All Black captain who is now coaching in Limerick. Leslie said at the weekend that contact would be beneficial to both countries and maybe even a forerunner to a 'Super Ten' type event.

Priorities meantime, Leslie said, lay in finding a more suitable slot near the start of the Five Nations' Championship and enhancing the competitive element by means of a trophy. The Celtic Cup, perhaps?

At present, the matches are no more than friendlies which reflect the low profile given them and maybe it would help also if Scottish districts went back to playing touring sides instead of the ludicrously labelled hybrid combinations that are being wheeled out against South Africa next month.

But whether or not the Irish come on board, the SRU is deeply committed to fostering district rugby, one official remarking at the weekend that sights are now set on establishing fixture links across the Channel.

What price the radical SRU organising the first official European Cup for teams representing districts, provinces or cities?