Scotland chief executive Mark Dodson has announced ambitious plans to win an RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam within four years and launch an assault on the World Cup.
In contrast to the miserable performance in this year’s Championship, where they lost every single match, Dodson believes Andy Robinson is capable of inspiring a first title win since the last incarnation of the Five Nations tournament.
Confidence though has been buoyed by Scotland’s 100% record in the summer tour – while the three other home nations failed to win a single Test – and the performances of professional sides Edinburgh and Glasgow in the Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO12 respectively.
And the pro clubs are the heart of Dodson’s vision for transforming Scotland from perennial Wooden Spoon strugglers to genuine contenders.
“The goals we’ve set reflect our ambition for the game in Scotland,” said Dodson.
“With unity, and support from the whole nation, there is no reason we can’t achieve those goals.
“We are making real progress in revitalising the game of rugby in Scotland.
“Since I joined Scottish Rugby I’ve said I want to place much greater focus on making the pro clubs as successful as we can.
“By better aligning our professional sides with clubs sides around the country we will be able to support and nurture the grassroots and the top tier of the game.
“I firmly believe that by doing that, we will create a virtuous circle, which benefits every club and player in the country.
“More successful pro clubs means more interest in the sport and more money coming into the game.
“That filters back down to the clubs and schools at the grassroots. They can then encourage and nurture the next generation of talent, the next generation who aspire to lead out their team or even the national side to success.”
