Scottish Rugby to begin recruitment drive in new year

Scotland will begin a recruitment drive in the new year to find a new Chair of the Scottish Rugby Limited Board to replace John Jeffrey, who will step down in May 2023.

Jeffrey has held the role since December 2020, and will remain as a Senior Non-Executive Board Member for a further three years

“We have covered an enormous amount of ground over the period I have had the privilege of chairing the Board, from the pandemic through to the implementation of our new strategy – Wellbeing, Women and Winning,” Jeffrey said.

“The timing is right to enable the important work being undertaken around diversity and inclusion in the Scottish Rugby Board to continue. I’d like to thank my Board colleagues and all the hard-working people at Scottish Rugby who have supported me while I was in post.

“Together we have achieved a lot of important work and I’m pleased, and grateful, to have the support of the Board to continue to contribute alongside them in a new capacity for a further three years.”

The process to appoint a new Chair will be led by Senior Independent Director Lesley Thomson KC supported by Bob Richmond representing the Board’s Nominations sub-committee and Scottish Rugby’s Chief People & Engagement Officer, Shona Bell and Chair of the Scottish Rugby Union, Professor Lorne Crerar.

Thomson said: “I’d like to thank JJ for his significant contribution to Scottish Rugby during his time as Chair. Coming into the role while we were in the grip of the Covid pandemic was not an easy task and he helped the Board and Scottish Rugby to navigate its way through that period, and beyond, successfully.

“I think it’s important we don’t lose his expertise so I’m very pleased he will continue to be a Board member in the coming years where his knowledge and associations with the global game will be of real value.”