The SRU have confirmed the appointments of Dr David Pugh as chief medical officer and Dr Jonathan Hanson as team doctor.

The move comes after the retirement of Dr James Robson following the Six Nations earlier this year.

Both have been heavily involved in Scottish Rugby over the last couple of decades. The SRU had initially appointed Dr Douglas Hammond and he was due to start on April 1 but that was withdrawn due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

Dr Pugh had been interim CMO and had applied for the role before the Dr Hammond appointment, and had reached the final stage of the recruitment process and will begin with immediate effect.

He joins Scottish Rugby from Scottish Curling, where he has worked as CMO for the last four years and previously held roles with Glasgow Warriors, Scotland U20s and Scotland Women.

Dr Hanson will join from Glasgow Warriors, where he is currently team doctor. He’s also previously worked with England’s football team at the 2018 World Cup as well as with Team GB at the Olympics.

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Dr Pugh said: "I am delighted to accept the role of Scottish Rugby's Chief Medical Officer. It has been my sporting ambition for many years.

“I have been very fortunate to have worked with many major teams in Scotland during my career so far, but rugby has been my own sport since childhood, and it is great to be able to give something back to the game I love. 

“I look forward to the challenge of following the outstanding Dr James Robson and I am excited to continue his good work within the Chief Medical Officer element of his previous role.”

And Dr Hanson added: “I’m fortunate to have had a 20-year rugby medicine training programme under Dr James Robson through our age groups and professional teams.

“I've learned a lot about medicine in many other sports and I am looking to bring that experience to the Scotland men's team for the next Rugby World Cup Cycle.”