Joanna Manning-Cooper has become the latest London 2012 Olympic Games alumnus to join England Rugby 2015, the organising committee for the Rugby World Cup of that year, in the newly created role of communications and marketing director.

Manning-Cooper, who officially starts next week, was previously head of public relations and media for London 2012.

At England Rugby 2015, she will report to chief executive Debbie Jevans, London 2012's former director of sport, who said: "With less than 1,000 days to go to the tournament we are strengthening our senior team, and Joanna has been appointed following a competitive recruitment process for this important new role within the ER 2015 leadership team. Joanna did an exceptional job for London 2012, and her skills and experience in major sporting events will be a great asset as we promote Rugby World Cup 2015 to the world."

Manning-Cooper has 20 years of communications and media experience. Prior to her six-and-a-half years at London 2012, she was director of global communications for the Financial Times.

The communications and marketing director is part of the England Rugby 2015 leadership team and will be responsible for ticketing and volunteering campaigns, promoting the tournament, implementing the Rugby World Cup brand, media relations, running the press office and co-ordinating press operations.

The position was created following an organisational restructure last month, which led to the immediate departure of Jon Duckworth, general manager for marketing and communications. Chief operating officer Ross Young also left, with England Rugby 2015 noting that their roles had "ceased to exist."

News of Duckworth and Young's exits came on the day Neil Snowball was appointed to the new role of rugby operations director. He also joined from London 2012, where he had been head of sport operations.

Also last month, London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton was added to the England Rugby 2015 board. 
 
Sportcal