Bitter Exit: John Jeffrey Withdraws from World Rugby Bid
John Jeffrey, hurt and betrayed, withdraws his bid for World Rugby chairman after lack of support from Scottish Rugby, leaving a leadership void.
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Scottish rugby legend John Jeffrey expressed feelings of “hurt, bitter, and betrayed” after he withdrew his bid to become chairman of World Rugby. His decision came after he did not receive backing from his own union.
John Jeffrey, who serves as vice-chairman of the governing body, was seen as a leading candidate to succeed Sir Bill Beaumont later this year. The 65-year-old, a key player in Scotland’s 1990 Grand Slam-winning team, was informed on Friday that Scottish Rugby would not support his candidacy.
From 2020 to 2023, John Jeffrey chaired the Scottish Rugby Limited Board. He learned that various aspects of his performance in that role were cited as reasons for the lack of support in his World Rugby bid.
“I’m very bitter and very upset. Being defeated by your own country truly hurts,” he told BBC Sport Scotland.
“It was a huge shock. This situation doesn’t reflect well on us as a country. People are laughing at us—’you said you were running, but now you’re not.’
“I’m not sure if they’re laughing at me or Scottish Rugby, but they are definitely laughing. This is embarrassing for the [Scottish Rugby Union] board.”
John Jeffrey acknowledged the political factors at play, noting that he was the favorite to win. He faced competition from candidates in Italy, France, and Australia. Had he lost to any of them, he would have congratulated them.
“What really bothers me is losing to my own country. To have them withdraw their nomination at the last minute is unbelievable.
“Betrayed is not too strong a word. I’m stepping back to farming now.”
Scottish Rugby’s board has chosen not to comment.
John Jeffrey, who played 40 times for Scotland and toured with the British and Irish Lions in 1989, has held senior roles in Scottish Rugby and World Rugby since 2010. In light of Scottish Rugby’s decision, he will resign from his positions as president of the Six Nations and as an executive board member, council member, and vice-chairman of World Rugby.
He plans to retire from rugby administration and return to his farm in Kelso, Borders.
With his exit, the race for the influential role now includes former France back row Abdelatif Benazzi, ex-Australia flanker Brett Robinson, and former Italy lock Andrea Rinaldo. Beaumont, the previous England captain, will step down after two terms, with World Rugby’s council set to vote for his successor later this year.
‘I Thought I Could Make a Difference’
John Jeffrey believed he was well-positioned for the role and that securing it would have benefited Scottish rugby.
“Would I have won? I probably would have, but the other candidates might feel the same way,” he stated.
“I was the favorite, full of energy, drive, and commitment. It would have been challenging, but I was excited about the opportunity. I believed I could make a difference.
“This is a significant setback for Scottish Rugby. We had a chance to have someone chair an international sports federation.
“My question is, why are we undermining ourselves? There are conflicts within the SRU, but for the greater good of Scottish rugby, we should set aside our differences. Unfortunately, that seems unlikely.
“We now have to start over. Scottish Rugby will be without representation in these decision-making bodies for the next decade.”