Vass, a former Scottish Women’s Exiles captain, takes over from Sandra Kinnear who steps down after four-and-a-half-years on the council.

Vass started her career as a second-row forward with the Eton Manor club in Leyton in 1989, helping them reach the English First Division before joining the London region.

The biomedical scientist was part of the Scotland Women’s squad for their inaugural match against Ireland in 1993 before winning three caps at the 1994 World Cup.

And after experiencing the game’s biggest competition first hand, Vass is determined to take advantage of it and the RBS 6 Nations over the next 12 months and beyond.

“The 2010 6 Nations and World Cup in England are hugely important to the continued growth of women’s rugby and I’m delighted to be part of it,” said Vass.

“Sandra Kinnear has shown a tremendous commitment to Scottish rugby at a time when both interest and participation in the women’s game have increased.

"She was instrumental in guiding the successful integration of the two organisations, ensuring that rugby is a sport for all in Scotland.

“I’m very pleased to be taking over this post, working at the heart of Scottish rugby; for the good of the women’s game in general and as the main conduit for queries and questions from clubs across the country in what is a huge year for women’s rugby.”

Women’s rugby in Scotland also received a boost when the SWRU and SRU agreed to merge into one single body – reflecting the rise of the game in the country.

The women's game is currently experiencing unprecedented appeal and interest across the globe with over 200,000 women and girls registered around the world.