Jeffrey To Represent Scotland On Irb

John Jeffrey, the former Scotland and British Lions back-row forward, known throughout the rugby world as the “White Shark”, is returning to international waters. Jeffrey will join Bill Nolan as one of Scottish Rugby’s representatives on the International Rugby Board.  Nolan has served on the IRB, world rugby’s governing body, since 2002 and is a member of its Executive Committee – its managing committee. Gordon McKie, Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive, is standing down from the IRB Council having served on it since 2006.  Jeffrey’s appointment, announced today alongside other representatives to international bodies, followed a recruitment process for all external bodies. It also stemmed from the decision of clubs at Scottish Rugby’s annual meeting in June which was designed to create more stability and greater influence for Scottish Rugby within the corridors of power.  A key rationale in that decision was the need for continuity in external rugby bodies by appointing representatives from outwith the Scottish Rugby Council. Jeffrey, who won 40 caps between 1984 and 1991 as a member of the Kelso club, told www.scottishrugby.org: “I have been looking for a role in rugby since my retirement as Scotland under-20 team manager 15 months ago and when I saw the Scottish IRB representative advertised I was immediately excited. “I see it as an extremely challenging position but one which with my background I think I can well- represent Scotland’s viewpoint at the highest political table. “It is a great honour to be appointed as the Scottish IRB rep and one where I will strive to continue the good work that has been done by the previous IRB representatives. In particular I am looking forward to working with Bill Nolan and benefiting from his great experience.” On the Six Nations Championship committee Scottish Rugby Board non-executive member Jock Millican will be joined by Malcolm Gillies (Lismore) who previously served on the committee for a three year period until June 2009, during which he reached the post of vice-chairman of the Six Nations Championship committee.  Gillies is a former chair of the Scottish Rugby Council and former member of the Scottish Rugby Board. Scottish Rugby Board chairman Allan Munro and former referees’ representative on the Scottish Rugby Council and former Scottish Rugby Board member, Jim Fleming (Boroughmuir) will continue to represent Scotland on ERC (European Rugby Cup). Likewise Scotland’s representatives on the Celtic League Association remain unchanged: Gordon McKie and Scottish Rugby Board non-executive member Donald Emslie.  Joining Gordon Cox on FIRA-AER (Federation International Rugby Amateur – Association European Rugby) is former national leagues representative on the Scottish Rugby Council and erstwhile Scottish Rugby Board member, Archie Ferguson.  Scottish Rugby President, Ian McLauchlan, said: “These appointments will ensure a strong voice to champion the interests of Scottish rugby and extend our influence in the world game.”