The SRU hopes the scheme allows players on the fringes of the professional teams to play regular competitive rugby as they await a route back into the match-day squads of Edinburgh and the Warriors.

Many of the 72 professionals are unlikely to have any playing duties with the clubs, including Scotland captain Mike Blair, who has been drafted by Edinburgh Accies.

But Cross is one of those who might find himself needing some competitive action and he has welcomed the new system.

He said: "I think the draft is an outstanding idea. It allows professional players to get back into the club game. The professional players have a lot to offer the teams in Premier One.

"I’m going to Selkirk which is great news. Selkirk are a club that have just been promoted and it is going to be an exciting challenge to play for them in Premier One.

"I’ve got in contact with the people at the club and they are excited about the professional players who will be joining Selkirk and similarly we are looking forward to helping the team."