John Jeffrey is new chairman of Scottish Rugby

Six Nations chief replaces Colin Grassie

John Jeffrey has taken over as interim chairman of Scottish Rugby. Picture: Jeff Holmes/SNS

Former Scotland international and British and Irish Lion John Jeffrey has taken over as interim chairman of Scottish Rugby.

Colin Grassie, who had been due to leave the post in August but has been replaced as and independent non-executive director and chairman by Jeffrey, also the current chairman of the Six Nations.

Jeffrey said: “I was very pleased to accept the role. Our sport faces significant challenges just now and I hope I can put my experience to good use for the benefit of Scottish Rugby and the whole rugby community in Scotland. Under Colin’s chairmanship the board and Scottish Rugby made progress in important areas and I look forward to continuing that work.”

Grassie added: “I previously indicated my intention to step down in August this year however with the swift and successful completion of the CVC investment into Pro14 and by extension into Scottish Rugby, now is a perfect time to hand over the reins.”

It was revealed on Friday that the Pro14 league had agreed a deal to sell a 28 per cent stake to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners.

The CVC investment is thought to be around £120 million – a major boost to the competition, which involves Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Italian teams.

Each national union is set to receive £30m. CVC had already done a similar deal with the English Premiership.

Grassie continues: “I have been privileged to be an independent non-executive director and chairman of the board at Scottish Rugby in a sport I love at a crucial period of its development.

“We have achieved many great things over the years as a board and as a sport. Whilst noting we have, like all sports, challenges all around.

“I leave with great pride and gratitude to my fellow board members past and present and acknowledge the hard work of all our staff and volunteers, who do so much to support our great game.

“I am also very pleased to be able to hand the chairman role over to John Jeffrey, an outstanding player, leader and sports administrator.

“With JJ’s knowledge of the game, and wealth of experience at Six Nations and World Rugby, the Scottish Rugby Board will be very well served.

“We face, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, significant challenges as a sport but I know the board at Scottish Rugby will remain focused on guiding the whole sport from the grassroots to the national teams through this crisis in the most sustainable way it can.

Scottish Rugby oresident Dee Bradbury said: “I’d like to firstly thank Colin Grassie for his contribution to Scottish Rugby over the past eight years, especially during his time as chairman. I know he cared deeply about the sport and has led the board as Scottish Rugby made real progress in recent years.

“We are fortunate to welcome as our new chairman John Jeffrey, who will bring his own significant experience and knowledge to the role. He joins at a challenging time for our sport but I know he will be an asset to the board and Scottish rugby in the months ahead.”

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