Rugby Football League Chair BRIAN BARWICK was named chair of the board for the '21 Rugby League World Cup, replacing NIGEL WOOD. Former FA CEO Barwick chaired the successful bid for the tournament and has been a director of the tournament since its inception. He will play a role in "ensuring the tournament achieves its targets" (LOVE RUGBY LEAGUE, 5/24). ... Octagon "strengthened its European operation and France business" with the appointment of SAM PRIMAUT as managing director of the agency’s marketing businesses in France. Primaut brings 20 years of industry experience, and "will work in close collaboration" with Octagon’s European network, which includes FRUKT, ITB and Futures Sports & Entertainment. Prior to Octagon, Primaut was "responsible for business development at the French Tennis Federation" (SPORT INDUSTRY, 5/24). ... Lagardère Sports named Ascendent President & CEO BOB BRENNFLECK SVP/Commercial. He will report to Exec VP/Commercial MARC RICCIO and be based in the agency's U.S. HQ in N.Y. (Lagardère Sports). ... La Liga side Sevilla named JOAQUÍN CAPARRÓS its new sporting director. He had been the club's interim manager since April (MARCA, 5/24).
COACHES/MANAGERS: Serie A side Bologna reportedly sacked coach ROBERTO DONADONI. The club, which ended the season 15th in the standings, has not issued an official statement regarding the former Italy national team coach. Donadoni joined Bologna in '15 on a contract which was due to expire at the end of the '18-19 season (REUTERS, 5/24). ... La Liga side Real Sociedad named ASIER GARITANO its head coach. He signed a two-year deal (AS, 5/24).
