MARK Dodson, the chief executive of the Scottish Rugby Union, has signed a new five-year contract with the national governing body. A former chief executive of the Guardian Media Group’s regional division, Dodson took up his current post in September 2011. His new deal takes him beyond the next Rugby World Cup cycle to 2020.

A statement from Murrayfield said that the SRU Board had “extended Dodson's tenure to build on the commercial and operational success achieved since his appointment. The new contract reflects the on-going financial growth Scottish Rugby has achieved through attracting significant blue-chip clients such as BT, RBS and Macron, as well as generating revenues through ticket sales and events.”

Scottish Rugby's Chairman Sir Moir Lockhead said: "The Board was very clear it wanted Mark to continue to build on the strong foundations he has established since his arrival. He has successfully steered Scottish Rugby into a positive commercial and operational position and led his team of senior managers with confidence and clarity of direction.”

Dodson said: "I would like to thank the Board for this endorsement and I'm excited by the prospect of leading Scottish Rugby for the next five years, beyond the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

“We have a great team here working hard to improve Scottish Rugby at every level. I feel we have made significant strides in key areas of the business. We have stronger professional clubs, strong financial growth, a strong voice for Scotland on the European and World stage. I am committed to providing a winning environment for every club in Scotland and ensuring we continue to deliver our policy initiatives to the benefit of every level of the game.”