Scottish grassroots rugby could be in line to receive a major financial boost after governing body members voted unanimously to allow the sale of its two professional clubs.

Scottish Rugby’s (SRU) 171 clubs passed a motion put forward by chief executive Mark Dodson, which opens the possibility of external investment in Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby.

According to Dodson, the money generated from a potential sale or investment would “help secure funding levels to our grassroots game” and “protect it from rising costs elsewhere in the game”.

He added: “The hard work really does start now and we will now take time to prepare before entering a challenging market with what we think is a compelling and credible investment opportunity.”

Any investment would need approval from the Scottish Rugby board.