Pro12 Creates New Md Role

The Pro12 has appointed Martin Anayi to the newly created position of managing director.

Anayi joins the pan-European rugby union club competition in October from IMG, where he had been serving as vice president and managing director of motor racing series the World Rallycross Championship.

Having joined IMG in 2008 from law film Pennington’s, Anayi first served on the agency’s legal team. Anayi was responsible for IMG’s events and federations arm, where he acted as the commercial lawyer on the 2011 Rugby World Cup national team rugby union tournament.

He then went on to head up IMG’s motorsport client business, before being appointed to his rallycross role.

The Pro12 is composed of 12 clubs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy.

Pro12 chairman Gerald Davies said: “This is a new position, which reflects a significant advance in what the board sees as the exciting future of the tournament.

“We believe that Martin, with his legal, commercial and sporting experience has the energy, enthusiasm and vision to drive forward and to fulfil the potential of the Pro12. There is much major progress to anticipate.”

Speaking about his appointment, Anayi added: “I believe the Pro12 has a unique opportunity to build an exciting platform within world rugby, and I would like to thank both Gerald and the Pro12 board for sharing my ambitious vision for what can be done with the Guinness Pro12.

“Our shared belief is that the Pro12 has the potential to be the most compelling, innovative and competitive club competition in world rugby and I am excited to see how we can work with the stakeholders to achieve that aim over the coming years.”