Spence joined the organisation in August 2021.

Coming in after the Covid pandemic meant she played an important role within the Exec team and as a Board member, as Scottish Rugby navigated the eventual return to normal operations.

Hilary Spence said: “I have hugely enjoyed my time with Scottish Rugby and will now be taking some time away from work.

“I have been fortunate to work with some talented and inspiring people who, like me, want to see our national and professional teams succeed, to enable us to support rugby in Scotland at every level.

“I will remain a passionate rugby fan and wish my colleagues and our teams every success in the future.”

Scottish Rugby Limited Chair, John McGuigan said: “I’m supportive of Hilary’s decision to step away from work to allow her to focus on health issues.

“I’d like to thank Hilary on behalf of Scottish Rugby and the SRL Board for her contribution over the past three years and wish her well for the future.”

Scottish Rugby has asked Oliver Colling of the company Kingsgate to provide financial consultancy support to the Board and executive team of Scottish Rugby.

Colling worked with Scottish Rugby between April 2020 and September 2021 and was part of its senior management group throughout the Covid pandemic. A chartered accountant, Oliver has over 30 years’ experience across industry and in consulting

A recruitment process for a new CFO will begin in due course.