John Jeffrey pulls out of head of World Rugby race after losing SRU backing

He was chairman of Scottish Rugby Limited, a director of the SRU and a major figure within the corridors of power at Murrayfield for four years until April, 2023 when he stood down to focus on his new role as World Rugby vice-chairman.

He assumed that when he ran to replace Beaumont, who stands down in November, he would get the support of his home union as it was such a prestigious role that would be good for Scottish rugby – but that has not been the case.

It is understood personality clashes and grudges with some remaining within the SRU led to them not backing his candidacy to become the most powerful man in world rugby and the first Scot to hold the role in the professional era. Those against him looked on it as payback time but Jeffrey’s supporters cannot believe they are being so petty.

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It is understood a furious Jeffrey was taken aback by the snub from the SRU and looked on it as a major embarrassment that has derailed his campaign. He could have maybe still stood without their backing but felt their lack of support was such a bad look that it left him with no alternative but to pull out of the race to succeed Beaumont. He also stepped down as the SRU representative on the Six Nations committee.

It is understood that in the past he clashed with some within the SRU over the way the governing body was run and that rift never healed.  Others felt he was too close to former SRU chief executive Mark Dodson who was the highest-paid chief executive the SRU ever had. Some felt he also didn’t act quick enough and apologise early enough over the death of former Scotland women’s international player Siobhan Cattigan and bore grudges against him.

It appears the SRU’S nomination committee voted 4-2 against backing his nomination and informed him of the news on Friday. After discussions with his supporters within the SRU -that included Scottish Rugby Union Limited chairman John McGuigan and Ruth Davidson- he has informed World Rugby, where he is currently vice-chairman, that he no longer wants to be considered as a replacement for Beaumont.

Pulling out of the race was not taken lightly by Jeffrey and was only made over the weekend. He had already appointed a manager to run his Borders farm when he was away on business as chairman of World Rugby for his four year term and is gutted at what has happened.

A source said : “The SRU should be ashamed of themselves. For John to be Chairman of World Rugby would have been a prestigious appointment, not just for the SRU but for the whole of Scotland. Instead they have stabbed him in the back for their own petty personal reasons. It is pathetic.’’

Without Jeffrey in the frame the new favourite to succeed Beaumont is Australian Brett Robinson with Italy’s Andrea Rinaldo also set to stand.