Massive restructuring in SRU

Major restructuring in the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has seen three Chief Executives relieved of their posts in an attempt to lower expenditure.

Jim McKenzie of Edinburgh Rugby, Alastair Cranston of the Borders and David Jordan of Glasgow have all been freed of their duties following the appointment of Keith Grainger as the new Director of Professional Rugby.

The three pro-club chiefs were told they would lose their jobs during the summer as soon as a suitable candidate was found to fill both roles.

SRU chief executive Phil Anderton has confirmed Grainger's appointment as Commercial and Marketing director, while Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan will take on the responsibility of the posts vacated by the three men.

But Anderton maintains the decision was not a reflection on the abilities of the three ousted chief executives.

Anderton said: "The three roles of the chief executives are redundant.

"It is our desire and obligation to now help them look for suitable alternative employment.

"The reason for doing this is not to do with blame or poor performances from these chief executives.

"We are doing this because we need to drive efficiency and we cannot justify having three chief executives when the three teams are generating a small income.

He added that, "Ian will have overall responsibility for all the on-field activities of the professional game.

"The head coaches of these teams will now report directly to him as part of the new reporting structure."