THE job of The Rucker is to report rumour and scuttlebutt, as well as poking fun at the powers-that-be in rugby and also asking serious questions when they are needed.
Lately, however, more and more solid reports are coming my way, and the latest could be fabulous news for Glasgow Warriors and all fans of rugby in Scotland.
Okay, so the Warriors may be up for sale, but according to sources in Glasgow and Edinburgh and elsewhere, the SRU may just have done a great piece of business that will make Glasgow a much more attractive proposition for investors.
The rumour is that Stuart Hogg, whose contract is up later this season, has just been made a spectacular offer to stay with the Warriors. In effect, he would become the highest-paid player in Scottish rugby, and if what I am hearing is correct, Hogg is prepared to put his name to the deal – he does, after all, have a baby son and new responsibilities.
The financial details are between Hogg, his agent and the high heid-yins at Murrayfield – The Rucker believes that unless it is public money, no one’s salary should ever be disclosed – but take it from me, if Hogg accepts the deal on the table, he will be a very wealthy young man.
There’s even talk of things like image rights and bonuses, but the most salient point is that the SRU have grasped the nettle and are taking this matter very seriously.
You won’t read this very often, but kudos to the SRU for that. It may even be that there will be an announcement in the next few days, and I remind you that a fortnight ago, The Rucker revealed the plan to sell off the two pro clubs quite a few hours before anybody else in the media.
I am really, really hoping that this is a second scoop, because Hogg staying at Warriors would be the best news the game in Scotland could get in advance of the European group games and the Autumn tests.
There is no doubt that Hogg is the most exciting player in Scottish rugby, and his value will only increase when, as I confidently predict, he is selected for the British and Irish Lions.
The 2016 RBS Six Nations player of the year has lots of reasons to stay here, not least because in two or three years’ time he will be reaching his peak and will be worth much, much more.
Remember that Hogg is only 24, he has already gained 45 caps and 11 tires for his country since his first cap in 2012, and given a decent run of luck he will undoubtedly break the record for tries for his country, currently jointly held by Ian Smith and Tony Stanger on 24. He may even threaten the cap record of Chris Paterson who had 109 appearances.
The Rucker is also delighted to say that I have heard from a very nice man at Murrayfield who says that if I ever have any questions I am to contact him. That’s not how it works – The Rucker only ever asks questions on behalf of the rugby community in Scotland, so if you have any, e-mail nationalrucker@gmail.com, and I’ll get the nice man to answer them.
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