There is to be a new representative for Premier Division 3 clubs on the Scottish Rugby Council.

Clubs in that division have endorsed the candidacy of Jim O’Neill (Irvine). He has served his club as youth convener, second XV manager, touch-judge and, his current position, fixtures/referees secretary. In the past he played for Dalziel and Cartha Queen’s Park and undertook off the field roles at Kilmarnock.

A former teacher, full-time trade union official, parliamentary researcher and local authority councillor, Mr O’Neill succeeds Donald Naysmith (Livingston) as the Premier 3 representative on the Council, taking up his appointment after the Scottish Rugby Union annual general meeting at the end of June.