Cup-winning captain Kellock to return to Glasgow Warriors as new Managing Director

Former Scotland and Glasgow Warriors captain Al Kellock is to return to his former club as Managing Director from April this year.

Current Warriors Managing Director Nathan Bombrys, who has led the club since 2011, is staying with Scottish Rugby to take up a new role as Head of International Commercial Projects which will see him identify and develop the union’s international commercial interests working alongside its partners at PRO14, Old Glory DC and EPCR, among others.

Bombrys oversaw the most successful period in Glasgow Warriors’ history with the Scotstoun based outfit reaching three PRO12/14 Finals and famously winning the title in 2015 with Kellock as Captain and current Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend at the helm.

The club also reached the knock-out stages of the European Champions Cup on two occasions in 2017 and 2019.

Glasgow Warriors built a large and loyal fanbase over recent years generating consistent sell-out crowds at Scotstoun Stadium and a sizeable travelling support. This in parallel saw a strong family of sponsors and partners developed and retained during Bombrys tenure alongside an over-subscribed Season Ticket membership, hospitality and Business Club operation at the club on matchdays.

Kellock ended his 13-year playing career on the high point of lifting the then Guinness PRO12 trophy in 2015 and subsequently moved into a commercial role with Scottish Rugby which he has developed over the past six years, alongside fronting the Scotland Business Club and ambassadorial duties.

He has most recently been Interim Head of Commercial, developing and delivering a wide range of commercial partnership for Scottish Rugby, notably bringing construction firm FOSROC in to sponsor the Scottish Rugby Academy and Super6 competition.

Securing SP Energy Networks as a title sponsor for the Scotland Women team was also delivered and managed by Kellock.

The imminent move into the Warriors role allows Kellock sufficient time to prepare for the 2021/22 season given the impact Covid-19 had on the 2020/21 season, both on-field and off.

Al Kellock said: “Glasgow Warriors has been a significant part of my life so far and I am incredibly honoured to have been asked to return as Managing Director. We have an incredibly passionate group of supporters, active and strong partners and an on and off field team who all want to drive the club forward and I am excited to about adding to that journey.

“It has been a challenging year for everyone, the role Glasgow Warriors will play as we return to normality will be very important. When we are able, I very much look forward to welcoming our fans back to Scotstoun to cheer the team on and also to when our players and staff can get back out engaging within the community.

“Personally, I have been lucky enough to work with, and learn from, many talented and inspiring people at Scottish Rugby over the last six years and in particular I’d like to thank Dominic McKay and Toni Blackhurst for all the support and guidance they have given me.

“Lastly a huge thank you to Nathan for all that he has given Glasgow Warriors over the last ten years.”

Nathan Bombrys said: “Glasgow Warriors is such a special club. I’ve been privileged to play my part over the past 10 years, working with so many talented staff, coaches and players to see the club grow into one of the top clubs in Europe. I want to see the club continue to grow from strength to strength. I am confident that in Al Kellock, we have a new leader who will do just that and take the club to even greater heights.

“I would like to thank the players and coaches that I have been fortunate enough to work with over the period, as well as the outstanding people that I have worked with at Scotstoun, some of the best in the sports business. We have an outstanding head coach in Danny Wilson, and with the squad he is building, exciting times are ahead.

“The close bond between our club and our supporters is truly unique. I wish to thank all the supporters for the camaraderie they have shown to me and the genuine support they have put behind the club over this period.

“We also enjoy outstanding support from Scottish Rugby, and I would like to say my personal thanks to Mark Dodson and Dominic McKay for the support they have shown to me and the club during this period. I look forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to Scottish Rugby in my new role.”

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer Dominic McKay, who oversees Scotland’s two professional clubs, Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors said: “Glasgow Warriors have been on an incredible and successful journey in recent years both in terms of winning trophies and establishing an enviable commercial family and dedicated fanbase.

“Nathan can be rightly proud of his contribution to that success and I’d like to thank him for all his efforts on behalf of Warriors during his 10 years as Managing Director.

“As we emerge out of the Covid-19 pandemic there is an opportunity to refocus the business and I’m delighted Al Kellock will be stepping into the role at Warriors having made an impressive transition into the commercial side of Scottish Rugby since his playing career ended.

“I’m also pleased we can continue to draw on Nathan’s expertise for a new position which will help us maintain and develop commercial opportunities beyond our borders given the international profile of the sport.

“I’d like to thank both Nathan and Al for their work so far and wish them well in their respective new roles.”