Russell controversy the spark for proposed radical SRU shake-up

The Scottish Rugby Union is set to shake-up its internal structures as part of recommendations made by an independent review of the Murrayfield set-up.

Entrepreneur Bill Gammell and Scottish Ballet chairman Norman Murray were tasked with assessing the SRU’s corporate governance in the wake of the Keith Russell affair last year, when the governing body was found to have unfairly dismissed its director of domestic rugby, who is also father of Scotland star Finn Russell.

Their review has now proposed the abolishment of the SRU Council and the SRU Trust – which has held the SRU’s key assets, including Murrayfield itself since 1911 – and the creation of a 'New Scottish Rugby Board' that is directly accountable to clubs.

The plans – which have the backing of SRU chiefs – also call for roles of president and vice president to be combined, with president acting as an ambassador and to be elected by clubs on an annual basis.

Two new boards are also to be set up. A new rugby development board is recommended to oversee the grassroots game in Scotland while a professional performance board (PPB) would be responsible for the sporting elements of the Glasgow and Edinburgh pro teams and the new Super6 competition.

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The PPB would be made up of nine members, including Scotland coach Gregor Townsend. The plans are set to be examined by clubs at a meeting next month but Gammell and Murray have urged members to back their proposals.

In a statement, they said: “It is increasingly clear that the structure and constitution of the Scottish Rugby Union needs further reform and improvement to reflect the dramatic changes in the game at this time. We believe that while the proposals are radical, they are pioneering, progressive and positive for the whole of the Scottish Rugby community.

“Scottish Rugby must have a future-proofed organisation that has the skills and structure to develop both the domestic and professional game and ensure that the two sides of the sport are working together. We believe our proposal, if adopted, would give Scottish Rugby a world-class governance structure.”

- Press Association 

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