In his retirement statement Pountney was highly critical of the professionalism of the SRU and the treatment of players.
Former Scotland captain Nicol also believes that not all was well in Scotland's organisation. "You don't want to rock the boat, because everyone wants to play for their country," he said.
"But, if you are used to certain things, that's the minimum that you expect. When a senior player of his standing makes claims like this, procedures have to be looked at. Everyone has enormous sympathy for what Budge has gone through with his injury, while he has also expressed a number of concerns about various things over the years," said Glasgow's captain, referring in particular to Pountney's view that players' wives are not as well treated as those of committee men.
"I have spoken to a number of players and no-one is saying 'What on earth is Budge talking about?', as far as these problems are concerned. But it is surprising he should give that as a reason for quitting international rugby."