Scottish Rugby sack chief executive Alex Williamson after conduct inquiry

Scottish Rugby have dismissed chief executive Alex Williamson with immediate effect after an independent investigation into his conduct, the governing body has announced.

Williamson, who had been in post for around 18 months, was placed on extended leave in late May without any official explanation. The inquiry into matters brought to the board's attention earlier this year has now concluded, and Scottish Rugby Limited chairman John McGuigan confirmed the decision.

"The board of Scottish Rugby has today dismissed Alex Williamson from his position as chief executive with immediate effect," McGuigan said. "His dismissal follows the conclusion of an independent investigation into matters that were brought to the board's attention earlier this year. In light of the investigation findings, the board of Scottish Rugby concluded that the CEO's conduct had fallen significantly below the standards we set as an organisation."

Williamson succeeded Mark Dodson, arriving at Murrayfield in early 2025 after being appointed the previous September. A low-key figure during his time in charge, his exit marks another turbulent chapter for the union, which had already endured a bruising recruitment process when Mark Darbon, the former Northampton Saints chief executive, pulled out of a near-completed deal to replace Dodson.

Chief financial officer David White will take over as interim chief executive while Scottish Rugby begins the search for a permanent successor.

The dismissal lands at a critical moment for the SRU. The next 14 months include Nations Championship fixtures at Murrayfield in the autumn, including a meeting with the All Blacks, followed by the Six Nations in the spring, and the union will now have to navigate that programme without a permanent chief executive.

Sources

• BBC Sport