Dominic McKay has broken his silence on the decision to leave Scottish Rugby Union to take up a role at Celtic early.
McKay, set to take over as chief executive from Peter Lawwell, was initially set to remain in his position at SRU until the end of June before then making the move to Parkhead. But the club this week confirmed he would begin work in his new job as early as April 19.
This is to allow him to transition more seamlessly, having been given the opportunity to work with Mr Lawwell, be shown the ropes, before taking the job himself officially upon Lawwell's retirement.
With Eddie Howe reportedly on the verge of being handed the reins, McKay could well be in a good spot to help get that deal over the line. And the incoming CEO believes it made perfect sense to leave Murrayfield early to give him the best chance of success early doors in his new role.
He said: “Naturally, with the end of the Six Nations for the men’s team, that’s a good moment to move on. Also, we’ve had some big sponsor announcements, and we’ve also got the end of the PRO14 season before we start the Rainbow Cup.
“So, there’s a natural point there for me to move on. The business have been great and I’m grateful for that opportunity to move on and it gives me a chance to reflect on 13 years of great fun with great people."
McKay has been proud of the job he has done at Scottish Rugby and revealed his top highlights from this campaign, all despite working against the difficulty of a global pandemic. And he explained how, despite leaving the sport, he has no plans to ignore his country in rugby once he joins Celtic.
"National team-wise, there’s been lots of highlights abroad and at home, but probably the biggest highlight I would have would be this season, getting the games away against a very, very challenging backdrop," he told the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast.
“To have the joy of watching Scotland win at Twickenham and then Scotland winning in Paris, in the same season, and winning well, that was fantastic. They’re certainly not unique [results] because we’re going to do it again, I have no doubt about that, but I think they were special wins away from home in a very challenging set of circumstances.”
"I’m looking forward to the thrill of coming to watch a game at Murrayfield and Scotstoun - and enjoying it.
“Because for 13 years there’s been a lot less enjoyment, because you’re worried about the event taking place, I’m worried about the players and the coaches and all the business side of the activities.
“So, getting the chance to come in now and watch the games will just be a real pleasure.”
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