World Rugby: Tom Hill (formerly Manchester Utd) named commercial director from late September 2017

Tom Hill has been appointed the commercial director of World Rugby, the international rugby federation announced on 06/07/2017. His appointment will be effective "at the end of September 2017".

Tom Hill will be "responsible for driving forward World Rugby’s commercial, broadcast and marketing strategies as the sport seeks to break new markets as a mainstream sport, inspiring new audiences and unlocking commercial opportunities in line with its strategic vision to grow the global rugby family" said the world body.

Prior to joining World Rugby, Tom Hill has been at Manchester United FC (Premier League) since 2008, including as head of partnerships and operations since August 2015. He has also worked in rugby as a sales and marketing manager of the RFU (2005-2008) and previously as commercial director of Saracens RFC (1998-2002).

"Very exciting when considering the future commercial strategy of World Rugby" (T. Hill, on 06/07/2017)

• "I am excited about the depth and breadth of commercial opportunities for the sport, which will ultimately underpin accelerated global growth.

• The…