Scottish Rugby CEO Alex Williamson placed on 'period of extended leave'

Alex Williamson, the chief executive of the Scottish Rugby Union, has been placed on a “period of extended leave”.

It has been confirmed to The Scotsman that Williamson’s duties within the SRU are being shared by the organisation’s executive team while he is absent.

It is not yet clear what has prompted the development, but Williamson’s leave poses a severe leadership challenge to Scottish Rugby at an important time for the union.

Alex Williamson has been the CEO of Scottish Rugby for 16 months. | SNS Group

A spokesperson for Scottish Rugby told The Scotsman: "Our chief executive Alex Williamson is currently on a period of extended leave, during which time his duties are being shared by the executive team.”

Williamson has been in his post with the SRU for 16 months and has been tasked with reducing costs after losses spiralled close to the £10 million mark. He also kept faith with current national team head coach Gregor Townsend after the Autumn Internationals despite an increasing clamour for there to be change.

Scotland have upcoming Nations Cup matches against Argentina, South Africa and Fiji in July and this news will act as an unwelcome sideshow as the national team attempts to build on their Six Nations performance, where Scotland won three of their five matches and challenged for the Triple Crown and overall title.

Williamson joined the SRU in early 2025 from private-equity owned education provider Inspiring Learning. His previous roles also include running the Goodwood Estate and being CEO of House of Fraser.

A qualified accountant, Williamson took over from Mark Dodson as chief executive of the SRU after a lengthy recruitment process.

He joined from private-equity owned education provider Inspiring Learning and his previous roles also include running the Goodwood Estate and being CEO of House of Fraser.

At Murrayfield, Williamson operates alongside chairman John McGuigan and president Lorne Crear. He also works closely with David Nucifora, who is Scottish Rugby’s performance director.