The SRU could have saved £4million annually, which would have allowed them to slowly clear a £23million debt.

However fears that Scotlands international performances and status would suffer meant the proposal was dropped and Glasgow Warriors survived, remaining professional alongside the privately-financed Edinburgh side.

Borders will be closed down at the end of the season.

Argentina operate without a professional structure to their domestic game, meaning their leading players perform in Europe.

Irvine confirmed: We even looked at the Argentine model, whereby we turn our back on Scottish rugby, save ourselves about £4million a year, pay off our debt in five or six years, and give our return to the clubs.

But that probably wouldnt be the answer either because the welfare of our players in England would come secondary to the motives of the big clubs down south.

You only have to look at what happened to England captain Phil Vickery (this season). He was forced to play for his club [Wasps] between internationals, was taken out and didnt play the rest of the 6 Nations season.