Scottish Rugby Chairman Colin Grassie Makes Way For John Jeffrey

It has today been confirmed that Scottish Rugby chairman Cloin Grassie has stepped down from his post and will be replaced by former British & Irish Lion John Jeffrey as an independent Non-Executive Director and Interim Chairman.

“I previously indicated my intention to step down in August this year however with the swift and successful completion of the CVC investment into PRO14 and by extension into Scottish Rugby, now is a perfect time to hand over the reins.

“I have been privileged to be an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board at Scottish Rugby in a sport I love at a crucial period of its development.

“We have achieved many great things over the years as a Board and as a sport. Whilst noting we have, like all sports, challenges all around.

“I leave with great pride and gratitude to my fellow Board members past and present and acknowledge the hard work of all our staff and volunteers, who do so much to support our great game.

“I am also very pleased to be able to hand the Chairman role over to John Jeffrey, an outstanding player, leader and sports administrator.

“With JJ’s knowledge of the game, and wealth of experience at Six Nations and World Rugby, the Scottish Rugby Board will be very well served.

"We face, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant challenges as a sport but I know the Board at Scottish Rugby will remain focused on guiding the whole sport from the grassroots to the national teams through this crisis in the most sustainable way it can.

“May I finally pass on my thanks to colleagues in other Unions with whom I have always appreciated working closely over the years,” Grassie said.

In-coming Chairman, John Jeffrey is upbeat about his new appointment, saying said: “I was very pleased to accept the role of Chairman at Scottish Rugby. Our sport faces significant challenges just now and I hope I can put my experience to good use for the benefit of Scottish Rugby and the whole rugby community in Scotland. Under Colin’s Chairmanship the Board and Scottish Rugby made progress in important areas and I look forward to continuing that work.”