'New Scottish Rugby CEO strikes different tone'

BBC News

29-01-2025

Alex Williamson did not seek out Mark Dodson for advice before taking on the job as Scottish Rugby's new chief executive, but he seems to have learned some lessons from his predecessor, such as not coming out the gate with eye-catching statements of intent.Shortly after taking charge in 2011, Dodson set out a four-year strategy that included winning a Six Nations Grand Slam and the Rugby World Cup.Williamson, on first impressions, is a character in stark contrast to the bullish Dodson. In his first session with the media he was keen to lay out an ambitious plan for the union, minus the any proclamations of world domination."I think we can be highly influential on the international stage," Williamson said on the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast."We can be very competitive from a playing perspective. I think our pathways can be good. And we can be outstanding at delivering the on-day experience, whether that be men's, women's, young players, or for just entertainment purposes."And if you can get all of those together, why can't you be the leading union? It doesn't mean you're necessarily winning the World Cup, but it does mean that you're recognised around the world as being absolutely top-drawer at what you do. And that's kind of what I'm after."
Williamson describes himself "relatively low ego" and confirmed his pay packet will be lower than the exorbitant salary and bonuses pocketed by his predecessor that so infuriated Scottish rugby fans.Having been in the job just over a week, the CEO is still getting is feet under the table, but knows the big challenges awaiting in his in-tray.Revamping Murrayfield is high on the list. Whether that is transforming the stadium and campus for sporting and cultural events to grow revenue, or simply sorting the more mundane and urgent priorities like fixing the toilets.It all comes at a cost, and for a union that posted a £11.3m loss in their last set of published accounts, it is a challenge."We're not going to be able to do Murrayfield in one [go]. But sensible levels, as in fix stuff that doesn't work, and drive things that are going to improve our revenues, that's all do-able," Williamson said.Sorting the business side of the operation is what Williamson has brought in to do, but what fans want to see is successful clubs and national team.The strong sense is that performance director David Nucifora – "the big brain rugby IP that Scottish rugby needs", as Williamson describes him – has been given the keys to the entire rugby operation and the big decisions relating to on-field matters will rest with him.Upgrading Murrayfield, financing the national sides and pro teams, diverting resources to the pathway, all against a brutally tough financial backdrop – Williamson has a big job on his hands.