South Africa Rugby appointed ILHAAM GROENEWALD as its "first female Executive Council member, along with the returning MONDE TABATA as independent members of the Exco." Groenewald and Tabata "were elected last week and will attend their first meeting of the newly constituted Exco in Cape Town next week." Groenewald succeeds MPUTUMI DAMANI as "one of two independent members of the 12-person Executive Council" (SPORT 24, 6/1). ... The Basketball Champions League named PATRICK COMNINOS CEO. Comninos, who had headed UEFA’s club and national team operations since Jan. ‘12, will be in charge of establishing and administering the Basketball Champions League -- the 50-50 partnership between FIBA and 10 top European leagues -- as a top level competition in Europe, set to tip off in September. Prior to his time at UEFA, Comninos spent more than five years as GM of Superleague Greece (BCL). ... Octagon named broadcast industry veteran TIM SCANLAN VP of sports broadcast to lead the next phase of growth for Octagon’s sports broadcast talent representation group. Prior to joining Octagon, Scanlan served as ESPN’s VP for talent planning and development and was responsible for recruitment and contract negotiations for the commentators on ESPN pro sports content including NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS and int’l football (Octagon). ... The Wall Street Journal named Senior Editor for Europe, the Middle East & Africa BRUCE ORWALL global sports editor. He will lead the publication's sports staff in N.Y. (WSJ).
COACHES/MANAGERS: MAKHAYA NTINI was promoted and LANCE KLUSENER appointed "as Zimbabwe Cricket made sweeping changes" to its national team's management structure. Former South African fast bowler Ntini "was elevated to head coach in an acting capacity in the wake of DAV WHATMORE being fired." Klusener, a former South African allrounder "signed a two-year contract as batting coach" (TIMES LIVE, 6/1). ... ALAN STUBBS has "agreed a three-year deal to leave Hibernian and become Rotherham United's new manager." Stubbs "asked for permission to speak with the Millers after an initial approach from the English Championship outfit had been turned down and the Easter Road club 'reluctantly' granted his wishes on Monday." Stubbs "wrote his name into Hibs folklore last month by leading the club" to its first Scottish Cup triumph in 114 years and met with board members last week to plan for next season. However, he opted to "chase his dream in the English game" (London DAILY MAIL, 5/31). ... JON WHITNEY was appointed manager of League One side Walsall “on a three-year deal” after ending the '15-16 season in interim charge of the club. He took charge in March following the departure of SEAN O’DRISCOLL “after just 16 games.” Former Walsall defender DEAN HOLDEN is also confirmed as first-team coach (BBC, 6/1).
