Formula 1 Global Head of Sponsorship & Commercial Partnerships Murray Barnett said that the sport is "considering reforming rather than eliminating its traditional grid girls." Recently, F1 Managing Dir Ross Brawn said that the concept of grid girls was "outdated and under serious review." His comments "sparked controversy," but Barnett said that the series is "simply looking to reform grid girls" (AUTOWEEK, 1/12).
Scottish Rugby is holding meetings with seven of the nation's top domestic clubs, which are "genuinely interested" in becoming one of six semi-professional franchises from '19. The "Super Six" will replace the existing 10-team Premiership, with its "purpose to bridge the gap between the club game and Scotland's professional sides, Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors." The Super Six is part of a £3.6M ($5M) overhaul of domestic rugby in Scotland, announced in August. At least one Super Six franchise will be based in each of Scotland's four regions -- Caledonia, Glasgow & West, Edinburgh & East and the Borders (BBC, 1/15).