The Rugby Football Union has today appointed Joanna Manning-Cooper to the new role of director of digital, marketing and communications.
She will join the RFU at the beginning of May and her remit will include England Rugby content and channels, team and corporate communications, media relations and media operations, CRM, the England Rugby brand as well as setting and delivering the fan’s stadium spectator experience and matchday sports presentation.
This new role includes the full communications remit previously led by head of communications Will Chignell, who leaves the RFU at the end of April to take up the position of Chief Communications Officer at the America’s Cup.
Manning-Cooper joins the RFU having worked as comms director for three years at England Rugby 2015, organisers of the Rugby World Cup 2015. Her previous roles include head of PR and media for LOCOG, and director of global communications for the Financial Times.
Ian Ritchie, CEO at the RFU said: “Joanna brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise which will be vital for England Rugby as we aim to utilise all available channels to reach more people and drive engagement to grow the game at all levels.
“I would also like to thank Will Chignell for his hard work and dedication over the last four and half years. He has done a fantastic job and we wish him the best in his new role at the America’s Cup in Bermuda.”
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