The Scottish Rugby Union is "edging closer to a controversial takeover" of Premiership Rugby side Worcester Warriors -- with the governing body on a "shortlist of two" to purchase the club, according to Rob Robertson of the Scottish DAILY MAIL. It is a deal that would have "major repercussions for rugby on both sides of the border" and has "already caused dissent within the Scottish rugby community and supporters of the West Midlands outfit." It is believed that the SRU wants to buy the club as a base for Scottish players to play in England's top league, although it has, thus far, refused to comment on its interest. A decision is expected by the end of this week, with the only other interested party being former League Two side Swindon Town Chair Jed McCrory. The SRU lodged its bid, the value of which has not been revealed, and "must now wait to see if that will be accepted." Even if it does "win the race, there will still be hurdles to overcome." The Rugby Football Union will have the "final say on whether the deal can go through" and it "may not welcome a rival union running a club in the English Premiership." An SRU takeover could also be opposed by European Professional Club Rugby, which runs the Champions and Challenge Cups, "on the grounds of conflict of interest" as it also owns Pro14 sides Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors (DAILY MAIL, 12/11).
