SCOTTISH RUGBY SACKS CHIEF EXECUTIVE ALEX WILLIAMSON

Scottish Rugby has dismissed Alex Williamson from his position as chief executive with immediate effect, following the conclusion of an independent investigation into his conduct. John McGuigan, chairman of Scottish Rugby Limited, announced the decision and stated that the board concluded Williamson's conduct had fallen significantly below the organisation's standards. Williamson was appointed as successor to Mark Dodson in September 2024 and began work at Murrayfield in early 2025. He was placed on extended leave in late May this year without public explanation for the reason.

The dismissal follows months of scrutiny into Williamson's conduct in the role. David White, the organisation's current chief financial officer, will become interim chief executive whilst Scottish Rugby begins the process of recruiting a permanent replacement. Williamson's appointment came after Scottish Rugby's unsuccessful attempt to recruit Mark Darbon, the former chief executive of Northampton Saints, to succeed Dodson. Darbon accepted the position of chief executive at the R&A in St Andrews at a late stage in negotiations, a development described as a source of frustration within the organisation.

The dismissal represents a significant setback for Scottish Rugby following the departure of Dodson and the failed recruitment of Darbon. The independent investigation into Williamson's conduct remains confidential, with no details of the specific matters under examination released publicly. Scottish Rugby will now conduct a recruitment process to appoint a permanent chief executive to lead the governing body.