Netherdale set to host Borders team

The SRU chose Netherdale over Mansfield Park

Gala Rugby Football Club's Netherdale ground looks certain to become the home of the new Borders professional team after being granted preferred bidder status by the Scottish Rugby Union.

It beat off competition from BT Scotland Premiership Division One champions Hawick's Mansfield Park.

Some further examination of Gala's plan to host the Borders team have still to be examined, but all going well Scotland's third pro-team will play there next season.

Five clubs originally expressed interest in becoming the new team's base, but Selkirk, Kelso and Peebles all withdrew.

SRU chief executive Bill Watson said both Gala and Hawick's proposals had been excellent, giving the SRU a hard job to separate the two.

"Both proved that they had the vision, drive and determination to enable their club ground to become the home of the Borders pro-team," he said.

Gala's large land area and potential to expand on the Netherdale site, added to the proximity of the Heriot-Watt University campus, were key factors in their favour.