What has been billed as a wake could turn into a joyous celebration on Saturday evening when the Ospreys visit Galashiels. The Border Reivers' final match before disbandment will be played against a team that, at this juncture, look slight favourites to win the inaugural Magners League title.

However, if there is to be a party, the visitors had better make sure they bring all the guests because there is little likelihood of a huge local turnout.

Perhaps genuine rugby lovers in the area will realise the significance of the occasion to help ensure there is a real sense of atmosphere should this be the league decider. It will be disappointing if that is not the case because Scots need to be inspired as were those of us lucky enough to be in a capacity crowd at The Gnoll two years ago as the Ospreys won what was then the Celtic League title, when witnessing the true potential of this three nation tournament.

Since the Ospreys' Gavin Henson inspired defeat of Edinburgh that day, the escalating crowds in Ireland and Wales have underlined that and, from the organisers' point of view, it must be rather disappointing that this season's finale may take place in the country - and in particular the region - that has shown least support for the competition.

In terms of the bigger picture, what is vital for the tournament's development, is that the sponsors seem pleased with their first year of involvement. There has so far been no confirmation of continued backing, but nor have there been any rumblings of discontent from the Irish-based cider producers. Every indication is that their contribution is set to grow.

That is vital not only for Celtic rugby but for the game in Europe and globally with Celtic solidarity holding the key to ensuring that control of the game remains in the hands of the sport rather than entrepreneurs.

A mix of public and private investment in the game is vital and is happening, but it is all about emphasis. As in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, it lies with the national sides in the Southern Hemisphere SANZAR countries, whereas in England and France many would like to follow football's model with clubs becoming pre-eminent.

The solidarity of the Celtic unions is vital in seeking to address this and to that end the strength of the Magners League is vital. In turn, it is important that all three partner nations are seen to be contributing strongly, which is why Scotland's situation remains so desperately disappointing.

Time and money has been wasted by a string of ill-conceived initiatives, most obviously the bid by those who could not see past their own agendas when foisting the under-resourced Reivers upon the sport.

The way Glasgow Warriors' fortunes have soared since the SRU took the painful yet bold and correct decision to scrap the Reivers has almost had the feel of rugby karma about it. They have still to benefit from any of the resources that are coming their way as a consequence, yet immediately after the closure announcement the Warriors put in a fine performance when losing 23-19 at top English club Saracens in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final, since when they have won all four Magners League matches.

With new recruits on the way, they can go from strength to strength as can Edinburgh. The capital outfit hold their end of season awards tonight and the hope must be that they do not make the same mistake as the professional players association, the SPRA, made at their end of season dinner by wallowing in problems on an occasion that should be about celebrating the sport and selling its virtues to potential partners.

With their marketing director having left them recently, they have had a rather more difficult first year in professional rugby than Magners - who are also their sponsors - and they face a major challenge to be Scotland's top side in the years ahead, let alone contending in cross-border competition.

If, as they have always claimed, the first interest of their management is in the success of Scottish rugby then the hope must be that they are ready, with their backers, to embrace that challenge rather than getting distracted over the broader strategy for the sport.

Their focus should be on ensuring that Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors can be successful in the Magners League and European competition. There will always be scope to reintroduce a third and, eventually, a fourth professional team as and when they can be properly funded. To do anything else would be to throw more good money after bad which Scottish rugby simply cannot afford to do.