Welcome to Sideline Moves, Insider Sport’s weekly roundup spotlighting the key moves shaping the business of sport.
Every Friday, we bring you the latest executive appointments, strategic hires, boardroom shifts, and behind-the-scenes deals from across the global sports industry – all in one place.
RFL begins process to appoint next England Head Coach
A selection panel has been formed as the Rugby Football League (RFL) looks to identify Shaun Wane’s successor ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The RFL announced the next steps in its search for a new England men’s head coach on 1 April, with interviews set to begin in the coming weeks following an initial round of applications.
Chair Nigel Wood confirmed that a four-person panel will lead the process and recommend a preferred candidate to the RFL Board. The group includes former England captain Kevin Sinfield, RFL Non-Executive Director Sara Symington, interim chief executive Abi Ekoku and Wood himself.
The appointment follows Wane’s decision to step down in January after six years in charge, shortly after England’s Ashes series defeat to Australia.
According to Wood, the RFL has received a lot of interest from candidates across domestic and NRL coaching ranks, with the panel now tasked with narrowing the shortlist.
The role will initially be part-time, focused on the upcoming World Cup campaign, where England begin their tournament against Tonga in Perth on 20 October.
“We are entering a crucial time as we bid to secure the right person to lead England’s men’s team into the upcoming World Cup,” said Wood.
“It is an exciting period for the sport, especially given how our athletes have already made such excellent starts to the new Super League season.”
NWSL appoints new heads of commercial and marketing
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has strengthened its leadership with two senior hires aimed at improving business growth and brand engagement.
The league has named Brian Kelly Chief Commercial Officer, taking responsibility for the league’s commercial strategy, media, partnerships, licensing and consumer products.
Kelly joins from Top Rank Boxing, where he was chief revenue officer and overlooked partnerships, sponsorship and media rights, and has held past roles at Bleacher Report, Turner Sports and CBS Sports.
The second appointment sees Rachel Epstein become Chief Marketing Officer. As part of her new role, she will influence the league’s brand identity and fan engagement initiatives.
Epstein arrives from ESPN where, as VP of live sports and audience expansion, she spearheaded marketing across a range of properties including the NWSL, WNBA and MLB.
“Throughout the search, it became clear that Brian and Rachel are uniquely equipped to help shape the next chapter of the league as we continue to accelerate our growth, expand our global footprint and elevate the league’s cultural and commercial impact,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman.
British Triathlon unveils Chris Lane as new director
Chris Lane has joined British Triathlon to lead finance, governance and operations as the sport enters a new era.
Under his new role, Lane will oversee financial strategy, organisational performance and business operations.
He arrives at the company from the energy-from-waste sector, where he held senior finance and commercial positions. According to an announcement, he brings Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualifications and experience across large-scale infrastructure and public sector projects.
It’s not just business experience that Lane offers, however. He is a GB Age Group triathlete, active in his local triathlon community and pursuing coaching qualifications.
“There is huge commercial potential in the sport and as part of the leadership team, I’m excited to help harness this to invest in our members, our athletes, and welcome more people into the sport,” said Lane.
The new director joins amid a period of growth for the sport, with the World Triathlon Championship Series returning to London and preparations underway for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles.
Tottenham appoint Roberto De Zerbi as third manager of the season
Roberto De Zerbi has been named Tottenham Hotspur’s new Men’s Head Coach on a five-year deal, taking over with the club in 17th place in the Premier League.
The appointment comes after Tottenham parted ways with Igor Tudor last month. Thomas Frank also held the position earlier this season, making De Zerbi the third head coach in under 12 months.
De Zerbi joins from Marseille, where he led the French side to a second place in 2024/25 and UEFA Champions League qualification.
He previously managed Shakhtar Donetsk, winning the Ukrainian Super Cup, and had a notable tenure at Sassuolo. At Brighton & Hove Albion, De Zerbi helped the club achieve its highest ever Premier League finish and secure European football for the first time.
“I am here because I believe in the club’s ambition,” De Zerbi said, highlighting his focus on improving Spurs’ league position and delivering a style of football that excites supporters.
While Tottenham is arguably the biggest club he has managed so far, the goal isn’t to win anything but to keep the club safe from relegation. If he fails to do so, the club faces severe consequences commercially.
Sporting Director Johan Lange described De Zerbi as “one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football” and confirmed he was the club’s top target for the summer.
Snapshot Moves
- Southend United has announced CEO Tom Lawrence will leave the club at the end of the season amid a leadership restructure.
- The Toronto Tempo has named former Head Coach of the Toronto Metropolitan University Carly Clarke as Assistant Coach.
- Social media influencer Khaby Lame has become the ambassador of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
- Former England rugby player Joe Marler has joined menswear retailer Jacamo as an ambassador.
- Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby at Exeter Rugby Club, has signed a new contract.
- Former West Indies fast bowler and Head Coach, Otis Gibson has been unveiled as the new Fast Bowling Consultant for Cricket West Indies.
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Business Journalist, Kieran O’Connor, at [email protected] to be featured in the next edition of Sideline Moves.
Catch up on last week’s Sideline Moves to read about why Deltatre believe former DAZN executive Marc Watson is the perfect person to lead the company.
