Scotland still in talks with broadcasters

SCOTTISH Rugby bosses are still looking to agree broadcast agreements to show both warm-up matches at Murrayfield ahead of this Autumn’s World Cup, the Evening News can reveal.

Coach Andy Robinson’s team are due to play Ireland on August 6 followed by Italy a fortnight later.

However, no deal which would bring much-needed revenue and showcase the team ahead of a group also featuring England, Argentina, Georgia and Romania, has yet been struck.

Dominic McKay, SRU communications director, remains optimistic, though, and said: “Discussions are still ongoing with broadcasters. We are working very hard to get both the games broadcast.”

Meanwhile, Boroughmuir and Edinburgh’s Harry Leonard will urge colleagues to be more positive when he returns from an 18-week scholarship at the Christchurch Rugby Academy in New Zealand.

The under-20 cap says in an interview with today’s International Herald and Tribune: “Everyone is very optimistic, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well.

“After a loss they pick each other up.

“I think that’s a big criticism of rugby back at home.

“The boys dwell on the losses and they often talk about the negatives and don’t do enough about the positives.”