Wales keen to 'buy' Scottish matches

The Scottish Rugby Union, sorely in need of money, is reportedly considering 'selling' its three Rugby World Cup matches in 2007.

Because of the rebuilding of Lansdowne Road, the Irish Rugby Football Union has handed its matches back. Scotland may well do the same, but for a fee. Wales, who have already been allocated four matches, are eager buyers.

The Western Mail quotes the Welsh Rugby Union CEO David Moffett as saying: "Paul Thorburn has been over in Paris this week to talk about the World Cup and he has told the French we would be interested in buying the Scottish games if they become available.

"We are serious about this. If they were looking to maximise returns, it might well be better to have Scotland playing in Wales than in France.

"It would be a lot easier for the Scottish fans to get to Cardiff than to some of the venues in France.

"It's good to be proactive and if this came off it would be great.

"It would mean that we would have seven World Cup games here in Wales, which would be a substantial stake in the competition."

Amongst the matches already allocated to Wales are their pool match against Australia and one of the quarter-finals, possibly the big one between England and Wales. The Scots are pooled with New Zealand. If the Welsh bid succeeds Scotland could well play the All Blacks at Millennium Stadium.

If Italy get into the same pool, as they are expected to do, Scotland would then play Italy in Cardiff as well.

Moffett went on to say: "We would expect to get sell-outs for the quarter-final and each game we are hosting that involves Wales.

"We have got the best supporters in the world, without a shadow of a doubt.

"And we have got every confidence we will have a team to match their expectations because coach Mike Ruddock, the rest of the management and the squad are pulling out all the stops to ensure Welsh success in the international arena."