SRU backs Dodson with new deal until after 2023 Rugby World Cup

● Chief executive told to carry on as debt falls and turnover hits £51m record high

0 Mark Dodson was appointed chief executive of Scottish Rugby in 2011 and has overseen a rise in the fortunes of the national side and pro teams Glasgow and Edinburgh. Mark Dodson will remain in his post as chief executive of Scottish Rugby until after the 2023 World Cup, the governing body has announced.

A deal has been agreed to extend the contract of Dodson – who has been in his role since 2011 – for a further five years.

Under his watch, the national team has risen to fifth in the worldrankingsandimpressed in the recent Natwest Six Nations campaign, beating both France and England, while domestic sides Glasgow and Edinburgh have also prospered this season after both clubs hired new head coaches last summer.

A statement from Scottish Rugby revealed that debt is at an historic low in the professional era (£5.2 million in 2016-17), while turnover is at a record high of £51.4m and there has also been an increase in financial support to grassroot clubs.

Scottish Rugby chairman Colin Grassie said: “It was important we continue the excellent momentum Scottish Rugby is generating at this time and as a board we felt it was right for Mark to see through the exciting projects we are developing and provide valuable continuity.

“As the scale of the business grows it is vital there is strong, proactive leadership to ensure all the respective departments and teams to their maximum and we progress at all levels of the game.”

Dodson added: “I was delighted to accept the board’s offer to lead Scottish Rugby through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“I think we have made good progress in recent years and I am excited by the challenges that remain ahead. It was, for me, the right decision to stay on and continue to develop this outstanding organisation. I am fortunate to lead an incredibly talented workforce who are hugely committed to developing rugby at all levels of the game.

“We have put ourselves in a very strong position to develop the game in Scotland.

“It has taken some time to stabilise the organisation, but I feel we can now continue to move forward and ensure the future of the sport is both truly successful and more importantly sustainable.”