RFU appoints Octagon V-P to new role

The Rugby Football Union has appointed Paul Vaughan, a top director at sports marketing agency Octagon, as its first commercial director.

Vaughan, executive vice-president of Octagon Marketing, will take up the post in February. He will report to RFU chief executive Francis Baron and will be responsible for marketing and sales, including sponsorship, merchandising and the RFU website.

At Octagon, Vaughan was res ponsible for negotiating Lloyds TSB’s sponsorship of the Six Nations rugby championship, and Zurich Financial Services’ sponsorship of the Premiership. He is also involved in discussions to put together a commercial package for the British Lions.