Scottish Rugby appoints new Chair

John brings a wealth of experience from a career leading the design and delivery of excellent customer experience in conjunction with multiple stakeholders. His most recent role was Group Customer Director at Phoenix Group until he retired last year. Prior to that he held senior roles in Telefonica both in the UK and Europe.

John is also an executive coach with Merryck & Co and the Chair of Scottish Financial Enterprise which represents the interests of financial service companies in Scotland.

On his appointment, John McGuigan said: “Rugby has played an important role in my life for many years now. I’m a passionate supporter of the game, and sport in general, for the unique way it brings people of all ages and backgrounds together behind a common goal.

“I’m delighted to be joining as Chair at such an appealing time for the sport with the growth of the women’s game, an exciting Rugby World Cup ahead and the return of the domestic game to a full schedule, post-Covid. I’m looking forward to working with our communities across Scotland and beyond to capitalise on the opportunities for the game that lie ahead.”

Professor Lorne Crerar, Chair of the Scottish Rugby Union, said: “The Board is delighted to approve the appointment of John as the new Chair of Scottish Rugby Limited, the operating company responsible for the day-to-day business of Scottish rugby.

“It has been a thorough and detailed process to find the right candidate for this critical appointment. We are looking forward to working with John and ensuring our new governance arrangements for Scottish Rugby deliver for our member clubs and stakeholders.”

“I would like to thank Cheryl Black who had taken on the role as Interim Chair of Scottish Rugby Limited and will now return to her permanent role as a Custodian Director on the Scottish Rugby Union Board. “

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson, added: “We are pleased to welcome John into the Scottish Rugby family with the extensive experience he offers as we continue to grow and develop across all levels of the game.”