Dom McKay’s farewell deal for Scottish Rugby

Dom McKay has helped tie up a sponsorship extension with BT before quitting the Scottish Rugby Union.

On April 19 McKay will start work with Celtic, taking over as CEO from Peter Lawwell on July 1.

Most fans are looking to see who will be appointed as manager but McKay’s main strength appears to be working with businesses to come up with sponsorship packages.

While Celtic appear to be reliant on Alcohol or Gambling firms for shirt sponsorship the SRU appear to have tie-ups with most major firms in Scotland including Royal Bank of Scotland, Tennents, Reg Vardy, Guinness, Scottish Power and Mitsubishi Motors.

Commenting on the deal on the SRU website McKay said:

I am really proud that we can continue to work with BT as one of Scottish Rugby’s Principal Partners.

Every business in the country has been challenged by the recent pandemic and so to be able to maintain and extend our relationship with such a significant blue-chip company in BT shows the quality of their people and organisation.

I am really pleased we have been able to bring new elements into a long-term partnership and help BT reach communities, through rugby, across Scotland.

The links to Alcohol and Gambling extend to the national football authorities with Ladbrokes, William Hill and Betfred the recent sponsors of the three main competitions.

Despite being the major sport in the country by some distance with incredible reach only the minor trophy, the League Cup, has a sponsor with no company wanting their brand associated with the four divisions of the SPFL or the Scottish Cup.