Scottish Rugby makes two appointments to international rugby bodies

Scottish Rugby has appointed two new representatives to Rugby Europe and the Celtic Rugby Limited board, the company operating the Guinness PRO12, respectively. Scottish Rugby Council member, Dee Bradbury joins Rugby Europe, the European Governing body for the sport, which represents the interests of 49 different nations.The appointment will see Dee, who has been a Scottish Rugby Council member since 2013, eligible to sit on a number of Rugby Europe sub-committees looking at developing the game and women’s rugby.Dee joins Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer, Dominic McKay at Rugby Europe.McKay has recently been appointed to the Executive Committee at Rugby Europe which is responsible for operational and strategic development of the game.He replaces Archie Ferguson as Scotland’s representative on the Executive Committee.Former Scottish Rugby President Ian Rankin has been appointed to the Celtic Rugby Limited board.Rankin replaces current Scottish Rugby President Ed Crozier on the league’s board, alongside McKay, who joined in 2013.Sir Moir Lockhead, Chairman of the Scottish Rugby Board, said:As rugby grows on the world stage it is vital that Scotland has strong representation on key international bodies. I am therefore delighted to see Dee Bradbury and Ian Rankin represent the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) at both Rugby Europe and the Celtic Rugby Limited board.Their experience of rugby over many years will ensure we are well represented and able to influence the direction and pace of change. I would also like to thank both Archie Ferguson and Ed Crozier for their time and contribution representing Scottish Rugby over many years.Dee Bradbury said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as one of Scottish Rugby’s representatives to Rugby Europe. I consider it essential the views and interests of Scottish Rugby are represented at all international fora, in particular Rugby Europe, which is a platform for many of our international competitions at all age levels right up to the professional game.  “Rugby Europe is constantly evolving and it is important Scottish Rugby is integral to this process. I hope that I can bring some positive qualities to the role as a former player, current club President and member of the Scottish Rugby Council.Gerald Davies, Chairman of the Celtic Rugby Limited board said: “The Guinness PRO12, formerly the Celtic League, has benefitted greatly from the expertise and experience of Ed Crozier – the current SRU President – and of course Andy Irvine, my predecessor as Chairman. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for Ed’s tireless work in relation to PRO12 Rugby during his tenure.”We are delighted to welcome Ian Rankin to the board of Celtic Rugby Limited and follow in the footsteps of his SRU predecessors.  He joins at a very exciting time in the growth and development of the Guinness PRO12. Ian is a former player, team manager and head coach of note and joins our board on completion of his excellent presidency of the SRU last season.”Ian Rankin said: “I am very pleased to have been appointed to represent Scottish Rugby on the Celtic Rugby Limited board and use my experience and contacts built up over the years in Italy, Ireland and Wales to help develop the Guinness PRO12 championship, which is growing in stature every year.”