UFC named DR. DUNCAN FRENCH VP of performance for its Performance Institute in Las Vegas. French's background includes a total of eight years over the course of two stints as a technical lead and senior strength and conditioning coach at the English Institute of Sport ('05-09, '12-16). He also spent three seasons -- '09-12 -- as head of strength and conditioning for League Championship side Newcastle United (UFC). ... Porirua Deputy Mayor IZZY FORD is the "first woman appointed to the board of Wellington Rugby for 20 years." She said that it was "a shame her appointment was of any interest at all." Ford: "The fact it even makes news shows women still have a long way to go. This should be the norm" (STUFF, 4/4). ... Ethiopian Basketball Federation Chair ASHEBIR WOLDE-GIORGIS was elected Ethiopian Olympic Committee president, ending BIRHANE KEDANE-MARIAM's reign. Appearing without a contender, Ashebir "won with unanimous vote in the election" (ETHIOPIAN HERALD, 4/4). ... The Int'l Cricket Council announced the appointment of ALEX MARSHALL as GM of its Anti-Corruption Unit. Marshall is currently the CEO of the "College of Policing," the professional body for police in England and Wales. He will join the ICC in September (ICC).
COACHES/MANAGERS: MIKE FORD left his post as Top14 side Toulon head coach by mutual agreement, with RICHARD COCKERILL "taking charge of the first team." Ford took over at Toulon in October but "failed to make an impact." Cockerill, who was sacked as director of rugby by Leicester in January, will be assisted by MARC DAL MASO. MATT GITEAU "agreed to coach the backs while continuing in his playing role" (PA, 4/4). ... SEBASTIÁN MÉNDEZ was named the new coach of Argentine first division side Belgrano. He replaces LEONARDO MADELÓN (CLARÍN, 4/3). ... KWESI APPIAH is back as the Ghana men's national football team coach, "two years after he was fired from the same job." The Ghana FA announced Appiah will replace AVRAM GRANT from May 1 (ESPN.com, 4/4).
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