Jeffrey is the first Scottish Chairman since Allan Hosie in the late 1990s / early 2000s.

John Jeffrey hails from Kelso in the Scottish Borders and earned 40 caps for Scotland during his international career between 1984 and 1991. He was also selected for the British & Irish Lions in 1986 for their match against the Rest of the World and for the 1989 Tour to Australia.

He has been a member of the Six Nations Council since 2012. Jeffrey has also represented Scottish Rugby at World Rugby since 2010 where he sits on the EXCO (from 2016) and chairs the Rugby Committee (from 2013).

The former back row player has been a co-opted member of the Scottish Rugby Council since 2010, representing World Rugby and Six Nations.

Commenting on his appointment, John Jeffrey, said: “It is a privilege to be elected Chairman of the Six Nations Council and to be involved in the development of Rugby’s Greatest Championship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor Pat Whelan for his dedication over the last three years.”

“Scottish Rugby President, Dee Bradbury, said: “This is an excellent appointment and I am delighted for JJ to now be in this role. He has represented Scotland with great integrity at a global and local level for many years and his insight and counsel have always been of value.

“I’d like to wish him well in his new role and am pleased we have a Scottish representative in such a key position.”

Bernard Laporte (FFR) was also elected Vice Chairman.