Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist DIANA BIANCHEDI has been appointed director general of Rome's Olympic and Paralympic bid for the 2024 Games. Bianchedi held a series of functions for the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) including deputy vice-chair, chair of the athletes commission and exec member of the anti-doping scientific committee, and is currently president of the merit commission. Bianchedi, who has a degree in sports medicine, takes over as coordinator of the Olympic bid team from CLAUDIA BUGNO, who is leaving to take up a new challenge (Roma 2024). ... Former English rugby player JOSH LEWSEY announced his resignation and will "leave his post as Wales's head of rugby in January." The England World Cup winner was appointed in Sept. '13 having retired from the game in '09 "after winning 55 caps and making three Test appearances for the Lions." Lewsey said, "To avoid speculation and be entirely honest, there have been some developments over the last year relating to personal matters, meaning that I couldn't continue to be in Wales on a full-time basis" (London GUARDIAN, 11/11). ... The German FA (DFB) is "set to appoint" national hockey team coach MARKUS WEISE to work for its forthcoming academy. Weise, 52, won back-to-back Gold Medals at the last two Olympic Games with the German men's team, "adding to his 2004 triumph with the women's hockey team" (ESPN, 11/11). ... Football League side Accrington appointed ROB HEYS "as the club's new interim" CEO. Heys "takes on the role for a second time," having previously held the post when Accrington won promotion to the Football League (PA, 11/11). ... Championship side Blackburn Rovers sacked manager GARY BOWYER "with the club 16th in the table." Assistant boss TERRY MCPHILLIPS and coaches CRAIG SHORT, TONY GRANT and JOHN KEELEY "have also left the club." The search for a new manager "will begin immediately" (BBC, 11/10). ... STUART LANCASTER has left his post as England rugby coach "following the team's early exit from the World Cup." England became the "first host nation to be eliminated in the group stages." Lancaster: "I ultimately accept and take responsibility for the team's performance" (BBC, 11/11). ... England & Wales Cricket Board announced the appointment of MARK ROBINSON as head coach of the England women's cricket team. Robinson, who is currently the professional cricket manager at Sussex CCC and first XI head coach, is due to join the ECB at the end of the year, in time to take charge of the England women's team before the tour to South Africa in February (ECB). ... Under Armour promoted Exec VP/Global Marketing ADAM PEAKE to exec VP/category management, where he will be "replacing TERDEMA USSERY, former CEO" of the NBA Dallas Mavericks (BALTIMORE SUN, 11/10). ... French Ligue 1 side Lille OSC announced its decision to end its collaboration with Manager HERVÉ RENARD. The former Ivory Coast manager is leaving after having signed a three-year contract in May. Professional duties and practices will be run by Assistant Coach PATRICK COLLOT and other staff members (Lille OSC).
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