Shorts: Formula E, Speedo, PWR

Formula E has announced that Aurora Media Worldwide has been reappointed as the electric racing series’ host broadcast production partner.

A partner of Formula E since the inaugural Beijing E-Prix in 2014, under terms of the multi-year extension, the London-based broadcast media agency will continue to create Formula E’s international feed and global shoulder programming.

In Season 10 the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship set for global broadcast of 17 races.

Lawrence Duffy, Managing Director at Aurora said, “We are very proud of our association with Formula E over a decade and are delighted to extend our relationship. Season 9 has seen huge crowds, a new car, format and venues. It has been the perfect opportunity to showcase the next level of innovation and creativity in broadcast appropriate for a premium, hyper-modern World Championship. There is much more to do.”

Tim Glass, Broadcast and Content Director, Formula E, added, “Aurora are a creative, proven partner that have contributed to the successful growth of the Formula E fanbase. They have an end-to-end familiarity with the complex production workflow required at this level. They have worked closely with our team to push innovation in talent, cameras, graphics and data, since that first race in Beijing. We look forward to the next evolution of the show and creating more unforgettable, uniquely Formula E motor racing moments for viewers around the world.”

Swimwear brand Speedo has announced an extension to its partnership with the China Swimming Association (CSA).

Under terms of the new agreement, the Pentland Group brand will sponsor and outfit the China Swimming Team at all international competitions, including the upcoming 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, as well as the next two Olympic Games at Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.

“The China Swimming Team is home to some of the most exciting stars in swimming, including Speedo-sponsored athletes Wang Shun, who carved his name into history at Tokyo 2020. We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with the CSA and support the China Swimming team as they look to write more golden chapters in Paris and LA,” said, Simon Rowe, Speedo VP Global Sports Marketing.

Premiership Women’s Rugby (RWR), the newly relaunched organisation that has replaced Premier 15s, has announced a new partnership with the Women’s Sport Group (WSG).

Under terms of the ‘strategic partnership’, the WSG – an organisation founded in 2021 to develop opportunities to promote and empower women’s sport – will deliver PWR’s media rights strategy.

Steph Harries, WSG Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to be working with Premiership Women’s Rugby. We believe that the growth of women’s cricket and football will be joined by women’s rugby in attracting new fans and larger audiences.

“The profile is getting bigger and bigger, and the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England will be game-changing, with more eyes on Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby.

“We will provide Premiership Women’s Rugby with a full service, advising on their media strategy, undertake the broadcast sales process and oversee the broadcast tender process to ensure quality coverage and the best solution for fans.”

Belinda Moore, CEO of PWR, said, “Our vision is to create the most competitive, progressive and sustainable domestic rugby competition in the world and we need a compelling broadcast proposition to do that. Partnerships will be crucial for us as we deliver our 10-year strategy and the Women’s Sports Group is the perfect home for our media rights. Steph Harries and David Kogan have huge experience of the broadcast market and with the recent arrival of Rachel Knight – after her time at BT Sport – they are a team who will deliver for Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby and for the profile of women’s rugby.”

GB Snowsport has announced the appointment of Jason Cobbold as its new Chair.

Cobbold, currently the Chief Executive of creative agency BMB, will succeed Rory Tapner when he steps down from his post at the national governing body’s 2023 AGM, scheduled to take place in October.

Cobbold, whose appointment still needs to be ratified by the membership, will initially serve a four-year term.

Regarding his appointment, Cobbold said, “This is a moment of enormous potential for snowsport in Great Britain. I’m thrilled to be working with the board and the team at GB Snowsport, with UK Sport, the BOA, the BPA, FIS, and all our partners to translate this into success on the World, Olympic, and Paralympic stage. As a lifelong fan of all sport on snow, this is a wonderful role to be taking on. I would like to thank the outgoing Chair, Rory Tapner, for his leadership, and I look forward to the next chapter in our story.”

Rebecca Edser has been announced as the new Head of EventScotland, succeeding Robbie Clyde who will take up a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Golf.

Edser, who currently serves as Senior Major Events Consultant at UK Sport, will join Scotland’s national event organisation from September 2023.

Regarding her appointment, Edser said, “I am thrilled to have been appointed as the Head of EventScotland. Scotland has an international reputation as an ambitious and innovative host of sporting and cultural events and while the last few years have been challenging for the sector, I believe that there is much to look forward to demonstrated by this summer’s exciting programme of events that includes, the Tall Ships in Lerwick and the inaugural staging of the UCI Cycling World Championships that will take place across Scotland.

It is an exciting time to re-join the organisation as we look to review and refresh Scotland’s National Events Strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage, and I very much look forward to establishing partnerships and relationships across Scotland, not only to deliver the new strategy but to ensure that this is a sector that continues to thrive.”

League One football club Cambridge United has announced a three-year renewal with Mead Construction.

Under terms of the agreement, the family-owned company will continue to serve as the sponsor of the South Stand at the team’s 8,127-capcity Abbey Stadium.

Head of Commercial, Neil Rowe said, “We are delighted to continue working with Mead Construction for another three seasons.

“The local company are big supporters of the club and continue to assist us with our maintenance projects. The agreement – which was first signed in 2018 – will run until 2026, confirming Mead Construction as one of our most long-standing partners.”

Richard Mead, Mead Construction Transport Manager added, “We are delighted to be continuing our long-term support of the Us. As a family of fans, the association brings us great pride and we look forward to a great season.”

World Rugby has announced that Su Carty and Ada Milby have been elected to World Rugby Executive Board.

The announcement follows an election for two vacant seats run by PWC Switzerland.

Four candidates were nominated in total.