SCOTTISH Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson has extended his contract until 2023.

Dodson took on the position in 2011 and reached an agreement on Wednesday to continue in the role beyond the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. 

During his tenure, the national team has risen to number five in the world rankings while there has also been an upturn in performances from the Under-20s and women's sides.

The BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy was also established four years ago, helping to produce the next generation of talent in Scotland

Dodson said: “I was delighted to accept the Board’s offer to lead Scottish Rugby through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“I think we have made good progress in recent years and I am excited by the challenges that remain ahead.

“It was, for me, the right decision to stay on and continue to develop this outstanding organisation. I am fortunate to lead an incredibly talented workforce who are hugely committed to developing rugby at all levels of the game.

“We have put ourselves in a very strong position to develop the game in Scotland. It has taken some time to stabilise the organisation, but I feel we can now continue to move forward and ensure the future of the sport is both truly successful and more importantly sustainable.”