Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : Rutherford: Scotland on the rise

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Scotland

Rutherford: Scotland on the rise

15 April 2008, 2:21 pm

By Tim Sanderson

Scotland legend John Rutherford believes the resurgence which grass-roots rugby in the country is enjoying will help make the national side a force to be reckoned with in years to come.

The former Lions star, Scotland's leading stand-off in the modern era, is now coaching youngsters with his hometown club Selkirk.

He witnessed what it takes to succeed as a player of rare talent in the 1980s and then as backs coach during the Ian McGeechan era.

The demise of the Borders side was a low point for rugby in Scotland but Rutherford insists the area is vibrant again - helped by an emphasis on Scottish talent.

He said: "There has been a resurgence. I've watched a lot of clubs sides and I think a lot are really well coached.

"There's talent in the clubs and talent in the coaches. To me some are well worth professional contracts.

"I wouldn't go as far as banning overseas players and I know there are a regulations and employment laws but maybe there should be a maximum of two per club."