Is Scottish rugby in danger of meltdown, as players go to foreign clubs?

Question

Simon Taylor and Chris Cusiter poised to go to Stade Francais.

Chris Patterson very likely to go to Gloucester.

Al Dickinson and Ally Strokosch already signed by Gloucester.

Simon Danielli, Rob Dewey have gone to Ulster.

Scotty Lawson has gone to Sale.

Scott Murray will go to Racing club.

Sean Lamont already gone.

Answer 1

It can be good for Scottish rugby as those players will not have Scottish club rugby mentality.  Are these players only going for money, or is it for experience as well?

Some may also find that Scottish rugby clubs will not take them on, for whatever reason they have for excluding them.

It is a professional game now, and that means it is no longer a case of you have to play where you work.  Your work is your play, and therefore you can go where the game will give you the best experience. (as well as money)

Answer 2

I think it might be a good thing as it will expand the Scottish talent pool, which is rather small for a major rugby nation. Will the clubs be worse off in the short term? Yes. Will the national team be better in the long run though? I think it could be.

Answer 3

i think you should take some ideas from the irfu and maybe have players centrally contracted and have them playing for the regions in top class competition such as the Heineken cup. this way your players are playing together more often and are playing top class opposition more often. it certainly has helped Irish rugby.

Answer 4

Wasn't that some poor showing against Italy?? People go abroad for a better living usually.

Its a sad situation when you see it happening - but, yes, I believe we are heading towards melt-down.

Answer 5

In fairness Sean Lamont plays for Saints (my team!) so he's hardly gone far.

Rory Lamont still in Edinburgh

Sale and Gloucester not exactly foreign are they?

Dan Parkes? Aussie geezer?