Jeffrey to replace Grassie as Scottish Rugby Interim Chairman

Colin Grassie joined the Board of Scottish Rugby as an Independent Non-Executive Director in 2012 and became as Chairman of the Board in January 2017. Colin has been on the Board for almost eight years.

Former Scottish Rugby Chairman Colin Grassie said: “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.”

The Board also noted that its search for a permanent Chair was ongoing and remains unaffected. The Nominations Committee will lead this search on behalf of the Board.

In-coming Chairman, John Jeffrey 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.”

Scottish Rugby President Dee Bradbury said: “I’d like to firstly thank Colin Grassie for his contribution to Scottish Rugby over the past eight years, especially during his time as Chairman. I know he cared deeply about the sport and has led the Board as Scottish Rugby made real progress in recent years.

“We are fortunate to welcome as our new Chairman John Jeffrey, who will bring his own significant experience and knowledge to the role. He joins at a challenging time for our sport but I know he will be an asset to the Board and Scottish rugby in the months ahead.”

Vice-President, Ian Barr said: “I’d like to welcome JJ into his new role as Chairman of Scottish Rugby. I know he will bring his knowledge and passion to the role and is respected across the game in Scotland. I look forward to working with him in the months ahead. I’d also like to thank Colin for his contribution to the game over the past eight years.”