'Right call' sees Ross Sutherland escape relegation after Scottish Rugby decision
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Ross Sutherland can breathe a sigh of relief after Scottish Rugby announced that the 2019/20 season would be classed as null and void.
The announcement came on Tuesday evening after consulting with clubs and other relevant parties, meaning that no automatic promotion or relegation will take place this year.
The Stags are one of the big winners in the decision, as they were rooted to the bottom of Caledonia North Two despite having their fate in their own hands before the suspension of play.
Scottish Rugby presented five options to clubs, with around half of them voting to void the season altogether.
For Ross Sutherland head coach John Mann, it was the right decision as someone was going to lose out whatever route was taken.
“From a biased point of view, 100 per cent it was the right call,” he said.
“But if you look at the big picture too, some teams still had five or more games to play, so what were you supposed to do?
“We had no time for a play-off, because we have no idea when we’re going to be able to play rugby again.
“If you can’t fulfil all the fixtures, I think this way is only fair.
“We had played the least number of games in our league for example, so realistically we were going to be near the bottom no matter what.
“I think it is the fairest way, and it’s probably the best thing we could have asked for, making the season null and void.
“It’s pretty handy for us, because we were sitting on a ledge there for a few weeks.”
There is no indication yet of when next season can start.
