Ian attended his final meeting this week ending his current three-year term, 50 years after winning his first cap for country in 1969.

He joined the Board in 2010 in his then role as Scottish Rugby President and has continued as an independent non-executive director since 2012.

It draws to a close nearly a decade of service to Scottish Rugby after Ian held the role of President of the Scottish Rugby Union in seasons 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.

Capped 43 times for Scotland, 19 as captain, he has most recently been a member of the Board’s Nomination Committee and Chair of the Remuneration Committee.

Ian McLauchlan said: “Scottish rugby has been part of my life for many, many years and it is something I am very passionate about, because it is important to me that we are competitive and the game is in good health.

“I’ve always taken my responsibilities seriously and wanted to make a contribution during my time on the Board. I’ve worked with good people at Scottish Rugby who put in a lot of time and effort to make sure we continue to be heard and play our part.

“The last ten years I’ve been involved have seen the game change considerably and I think it won’t stop there. Scottish rugby is in a good place right now and it is important we don’t lose that.

“I’d like to thank my fellow Board members for their support and company over the years and wish Julia all the best in her new role.”

Scottish Rugby is delighted to welcome on to its Board to fill the vacancy created by Ian, Julia Bracewell OBE as a new independent non-executive director from 2 April 2019 following an extensive external recruitment process.

A former Olympic fencerJulia was a board member of the British Sports Council (1995 – 2001), sportscotland and UK Sport (2005 – 2008) and was awarded an OBE for services to sport in 1999.

A trained barrister Julia brings over 25 years of experience of international business and finance, working with major US and UK law firms, including five years with BP. She currently works for city law firm McCarthy Denning.

Colin Grassie, Chairman of Scottish Rugby said: “I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of everyone associated with rugby in Scotland to Ian for his significant contribution to our game.

“Given his formidable record as a player he has drawn on his considerable experience and generously shared it with both his colleagues on the Board and many others associated with the game, at every level.

“He has been a forthright, diligent Board member and worked selflessly to help improve Scottish rugby. Ian has helped shape our recent successes, both on and off the pitch, and leaves with our full gratitude and thanks.”

Scottish Rugby President, Dee Bradbury said: “To have someone of Ian’s experience and knowledge on the Board has been a huge asset to Scottish Rugby. His commitment to improve the sport in Scotland is demonstrated through his two terms as President and then many years on the Board.

“He says what he thinks and is clear in what he believes. I have valued his advice and support and would like to add my thanks to those of others for his commitment to rugby in Scotland.”

Colin Grassie added: “I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Julia Bracewell.

We conducted an extensive search to find the right person to join Scottish Rugby’s Board and Julia stood out for her knowledge of high-performance sport and extensive business background. She brings a wealth of legal and international experience and we look forward to working with her as we enter an exciting period for the organisation and the sport.”