Scottish Rugby has moved to strengthen its marketing team.  It has appointed Toni Blackhurst as its Head of Marketing and Commercial Partnerships.Toni is a familiar face in rugby and sport circles having worked at RBS for 12 years in a variety of marketing roles, most recently as Senior Sponsorship Manager responsible for developing and activating RBS’s partnership with Scottish Rugby.Her appointment underlines Scottish Rugby’s commitment, as outlined in its recently published strategic plan, to improve customer experience and increase commercial revenue, as well as helping to increase match attendance and build the appeal of rugby to contribute towards a thriving club game.Dominic McKay, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Commercial Operations, Communications and Public Affairs, said: “We are delighted to welcome Toni to Scottish Rugby.  She brings with her a wealth of experience in marketing and will enable us to build on our strong relationship with our existing partners and forge new and dynamic partnerships both nationally and internationally.Toni is an important appointment in our new marketing team as we look to build our brand across the globe.”Scottish Rugby is going through a period of exciting change both on and off the field.  Our supporters and commercial partners are at the heart of our strategy to grow and develop the sport and Toni and her team will play a key role in delivering campaigns and initiatives that inspire all our supporters to back rugby in Scotland.”Toni Blackhurst said: “I understand sponsors, their wants and needs, having been on the other side of the fence so to speak.  I’m really looking forward to working with Scottish Rugby’s range of partners at such an exciting time for our sport, following the success of the national team’s unbeaten summer tour and the increased focus on sport following the Olympic Games.”It’s a great opportunity to help market such a strong brand to broaden the reach and appeal of rugby for sponsors, players and fans.”