Women’s rugby backed a fully-integrated game in Scotland when they voted unanimously in favour of amalgamating the Scottish Rugby Union and the SWRU.

If the move receives the same majority support at the men’s AGM two weeks on Saturday (27 June) the SWRU will cease to exist after more than 15 years at the helm of Women’s rugby and thus the remit of Scottish Rugby will expand to govern all aspects of rugby in the country.

Full integration, supported by the increased female participation at all levels, would allow female sides to become part of the all-inclusive rugby family and be viewed as essential and equal part of a rugby club, rather than a separate entity.

Chairperson of the SWRU, Sandra Kinnear, was delighted by the vote and believes that, in face of the growth of the game, the time is right to bring men’s and women’s rugby together.

“Scottish Rugby and the SWRU have been committed to investigating the plausibility of a united union and have been involved in an extensive consultation to investigate the benefits gained for both women’s and men’s rugby from being part of a single and equitable organisation”, said Kinnear.

“An integrated club would strive to reflect the community it serves, reflecting the local population and the undivided support received for an integrated game at this month’s SWRU AGM is testimony to the hard work that has already taken place and the widespread positivity with which this change has been met.”

Scottish Rugby’s Head of Community Rugby, Colin Thomson, added: “To get the vote at the women’s AGM is a significant step towards integration and represents an acknowledgement that the game of rugby is for everybody.

“In recent years the two distinct organisations have become increasingly close and we believe that integration is the next logical step for rugby in this country.

“Rugby is played by men, women, boys and girls and Scottish Rugby is making positive steps to becoming an all inclusive governing body of an all inclusive sport.”