We are writing to confirm our decision to resign as Directors of the Executive Board of the Scottish Rugby Union, with immediate effect.

We are surprised and concerned at the General Committee’s unexpected announcement of a vote of no confidence in David Mackay whom we consider to have been a thoroughly professional and highly motivated Chairman in seeking a sustainable future for rugby in Scotland. In his short term in charge of the Board, enormous strides have been made in improving efficiency, planning debt reduction and developing a cohesive and comprehensive strategy for the game.

Replacing the Chairman without prior notice or any consultation whatsoever with the Executive Board flies in the face of good corporate governance. Indeed, deep concern about the governance of the SRU lies at the heart of our decision to resign.

The General Committee endorsed the conclusion of the strategic review of rugby undertaken by the Executive Board and has put forward the motions for a Special General Meeting later this month. The committee has now pre-empted the outcome of a lengthy and comprehensive consultation and decision-making process.

This review identified the current governance structure of Scottish rugby as a major inhibitor in securing a sustainable future for the game. Through the joint working party we were apparently close to resolving these matters. The unilateral action by the General Committee further demonstrates the on-going problem of lack of cohesive governance in the SRU.

Having agreed to a Special General Meeting to approve the strategy and address the governance issue, it is inexplicable and disturbing that the General Committee should subvert this open and democratic process. We can only conclude that the committee’s recent decision and actions are self-serving.

Under David Mackay, the Executive Board was seeking to deal with all the difficult issues which have to be addressed if there is to be a sustainable future for Scottish rugby. Sadly the General Committee’s latest actions do nothing to further the interests of taking Scottish rugby into the 21st Century.

We would have preferred to continue to stimulate and shape the change which is necessary; sadly this is now impossible as a consequence of the General Committee’s actions.

We believe we cannot carry out our duties and responsibilities as we would wish and it is with much sadness that we must resign from the Executive Board.