A leading law officer has become the first woman to be appointed to the board of the Scottish Rugby Union.

Lesley Thomson, the solicitor general and a keen fan of Premiership leaders Melrose, takes up her position at the start of next month. She said: "I have been an enthusiastic volunteer at club level in the Borders for many years in a variety of roles from midi-convenor to fixture secretary. So I'm very much looking forward to contributing to the work of the board."

Thomson, who has also served on the Melrose committee, replaces former Scotland Test star Jock Millican. Sir Moir Lockhead, the board chairman, said: "We will welcome Lesley as much her passion for rugby in Scotland as her sharp intellect, honed within the Procurator Fiscal Service. This will prove a considerable asset to us and the game."