FORMER Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has been appointed to the board of Scottish Rugby.
She will hold the role of non-executive director, with the body also announcing the appointment of businessman Mike Soutar to the same position.
Scottish Rugby cited Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links’s experience running a consultancy business, as a speaker on leadership and diversity, and on voluntary and charitable boards.
Davidson said: “As a lifelong Scotland fan, I am delighted to be joining the board of Scottish Rugby Ltd (SRL).
“From our community clubs through to the international teams, we have so much to be proud of – and so much further potential to be fulfilled.
“We have to match that potential with ambition and that means working collectively to ensure we are getting things right – from talent spotting to training, infrastructure to finance, safeguarding to leadership, to name but a few.
“I want to help grow the game in Scotland in any way I can and ensure the hard work which underpins it is directed in the most effective way possible.”
Scottish Rugby said Davidson would bring a “breadth of experience” to the board.
It added: “As an experienced non-executive director across the manufacturing and financial services sectors, she has a particular interest in ensuring companies and organisations deliver their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments.”
Soutar (below) is the non-executive director of the V&A Dundee museum and is known for his appearances as an interviewer on BBC’s The Apprentice.
The Dundonian began his career with DC Thomson before launching Shortlist Media in 2007.
Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson said the appointments would deliver “experience and credibility” to the board.
He said: “It is a further demonstration of the power of sport and progress Scottish Rugby is committed to making that we can welcome appointments who will deliver the level of experience and credibility Ruth and Mike will bring to the Scottish Rugby Limited board.
“As a sport we have significant opportunities, as well as challenges, ahead in the coming years and their respective experience will be invaluable as we navigate through the sporting, financial and societal changes we will be facing.”
John McGuigan, who chairs SRL, said: “I am delighted Ruth and Mike have agreed to join the SRL board.
“They bring significant experience gained over many years in areas that will be critical as we continue to evolve the game in Scotland.
“Alongside their experience and absolute love for the game, Mike and Ruth share my commitment to deliver results through working in partnership with all parts of Scottish Rugby.”
