SCOTLAND'S internationals are to receive cash loyalty payments next season in an attempt by the Scottish Rugby Union to halt the drift south in the face of lucrative offers from English clubs.
The players will be rewarded for remaining north of the border and playing with Scottish clubs with international contracts for the 1996-97 season.
The move comes just hours after Scottish wing Craig Joiner, who has 16 international caps, switched from Melrose to Courage League runners-up Leicester.
Scotland had already lost leading players Gregor Townsend, Michael Dods, Gary Armstrong and Doddie Weir to English clubs and several more are rumoured to be on the verge of heading south.
SRU senior vice-president Fred McLeod said: "We shall be creating a contractual structure where there is an incentive for our leading players to remain in Scotland and play international, district and club rugby within this country. Those who seek rewards elsewhere, will not receive the same package if they are an international player."
