Thousands sign petition to remove Ruth Davidson from Scottish Rugby

Thousands of people have signed a petition to remove Ruth Davidson from her new role in Scottish Rugby.

The former Scottish Conservatives leader was revealed as a non-executive director of the organisation’s operational board on Thursday.

But a Change.org petition has now been launched online by rugby fans unhappy with the appointment.

A statement says: “We, the concerned supporters and enthusiasts of Scottish rugby, call upon the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) to take immediate action and remove Ruth Davidson from her position as Non-Executive Director. This petition aims to shed light on the reasons why her continued presence in this role is detrimental to the values and integrity of our beloved sport.”

It also lists several reasons why they want the former politician removed including conflict of interest, lack of relevant experience, questionable commitment, undermining diversity and impact on public perception.

The petition has received just under 3,000 signatures since it was launched on Friday.

On being appointed to the role Davidson said: “As a lifelong Scotland fan, I am delighted to be joining the board of Scottish Rugby Ltd.

“From our community clubs through to the international teams, we have so much to be proud of – and so much further potential to be fulfilled.

“We have to match that potential with ambition and that means working collectively to ensure we are getting things right – from talent spotting to training, infrastructure to finance, safeguarding to leadership, to name but a few.

“I want to help grow the game in Scotland in any way I can and ensure the hard work which underpins it is directed in the most effective way possible.”