Backlash erupts over Scottish Rugby board appointment

The recent appointment of former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson to the board of Scottish Rugby has triggered a considerable backlash from some sections of social media.

Scottish nationalists on Twitter flooded the offical SRU post on the matter with comments denouncing the decision and branding it a disgrace. Some individuals have even threatened to boycott Test matches in response to the appointment.

Twitter users expressing their dissatisfaction with the move argue that Davidson’s political background and affiliations make her unfit for a position within the rugby organization and want her to be sacked just days after the appointment was made official.

However, there are those who have come to Davidson’s defense, dismissing the backlash as an overreaction. Supporters argue that threatening to boycott the team based on a single appointment is an extreme response, suggesting that those making such claims were never true fans to begin with. One defender wrote, “If you’re a Scottish rugby fan who is claiming an intention to desert the side because of Ruth Davidson’s appointment as a non exec, were you ever really a fan at all? And don’t @ me with the usual ‘house jock’ tripe: she’s a very able woman and SRU needs people like that.”

If you’re a Scottish rugby fan who is claiming an intention to desert the side because of Ruth Davidson’s appointment as a non exec, were you ever really a fan at all?

And don’t @ me with the usual “house jock” tripe: she’s a very able woman and SRU need people like that. https://t.co/IlXsy3GCGO

— Roddy Dunlop KC (@RoddyQC) July 8, 2023

Davidson, who currently runs her own consultancy business, is a well-known speaker on leadership and diversity. She also serves on several voluntary and charitable boards. Additionally, she holds a seat in the House of Lords. In response to the controversy, Davidson expressed her delight at joining the board and highlighted her lifelong support for the Scottish rugby team.

“As a lifelong Scotland fan, I am delighted to be joining the board of Scottish Rugby Ltd,” Davidson stated. “We have so much to be proud of and so much further potential to be fulfilled. I want to help grow the game in Scotland in any way I can and ensure the hard work which underpins it is directed in the most effective way possible.”