The SRU confirmed yesterday that they have appointed Iain Riddoch as the chief executive of Glasgow Warriors.
Riddoch, who previously worked for Aberdeen FC, Wigan Warriors RLFC and with Super League (Europe) Ltd, joined the team as interim general manager last month and emerged from a comprehensive recruitment process to land the job of steering forward Scotland's main professional rugby team.
"This is a very exciting time for the Warriors and I'm looking forward to being a part if it," said Riddoch, who takes over the role immediately.
"With a strong squad doing the business on the pitch and a vibrant matchday atmosphere off it, I am confident this club will have a bright future."
The CEO will be based at Firhill, following the SRU's contentious decision in March to channel extra resources into Glasgow and also empower the pro team with local management and greater autonomy.
"I am confident the vision, determination and enthusiasm which was demonstrated by Ian through the recruitment process means that he and head coach Sean Lineen will work well together," said the SRU chief executive, Gordon McKie, who must have been pleased to announce positive news. "And that they will be leading a strong team, both on and off the field, to contribute to the longer-term development of Glasgow Warriors." Robbie Russell, the Scotland and London Irish hooker, has been forced to retire from the game, due to injury, following a distinguished career in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The 31 year-old Brisbane-born player moved to his grandfather's homeland a decade ago, and turned out for Aberdeen GSFP and Edinburgh Reivers, prior to joining Saracens in 1999.
Russell amassed 27 caps for Scotland and featured in both the 1999 and 2003 World Cups, where he scored tries against Uruguay and Australia respectively, in his total of four international touchdowns.
"I have had a great career and have thoroughly enjoyed my rugby wherever I have played," he said. "I would really have liked to continue for another couple of seasons, but unfortunately that is just not going to be physically possible."
The Scotland coach, Frank Hadden, who was instrumental in kick-starting Russell's Test aspirations said: "I'm sorry to hear that injury has forced Robbie to retire and I wish him all the best for the future.
"I first came across him playing club rugby for Aber-deen and promptly got him involved with the now-defunct Caledonian Reds professional team."
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