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Rugby legend to lead talent initiative in Scotland
The Scottish Institute of Sport has today (19 May) announced the appointment former Scotland rugby internationalist, Tony Stanger, to the newly created position of talent manager. His role will be to assist in ensuring Scotland enhances its pool of quality athletes able to perform on a world stage.
The new post will assist in strategically identifying athletes with real potential in the build up to London 2012 and Glasgow 2014. As Team GB makes its final preparations for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, the Institute will continue to look beyond the current campaign in a bid to nurture up-and-coming talent ensuring Scotland is in a strong position to compete at world class level for years to come.
Mike Whittingham, executive director of the Scottish Institute of Sport said, “The creation of this new post is testament to the commitment to investing in high performance sport in Scotland. This is about trying to be proactive, finding new raw talent and fast-tracking it to ensure the right people are working in the right environment to give us chances of success, possibly in London 2012 but definitely at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
“Securing Tony is a real coup for the Institute as he has the perfect blend of experience for this new role and we look forward to working together to grow our pool of talented athletes.”
Taking up the post in June, rugby legend Stanger will be working closely with the UK Sport World Class Talent Identification and Development programme, as well as the National Governing Bodies, to ensure future success for Scottish sport.
Stanger is best known for his Grand-Slam winning try against England in 1990, as well as being Scotland's all-time joint top try scorer. Since retiring he has become a well respected coach with English Premiership teams Leeds and most recently London Irish. With several coaching qualifications to his name and as a professional member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science, he is well equipped to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.
Commenting on his appointment, Stanger said, “I've been involved in high performance sport as an athlete, coach and advisor and know that this new role will utilise the experience I have gained as well as presenting me with a range of new challenges. I'm delighted to be back in Scotland and am eager to get started.”
ENDS
For further media information please contact Catherine Williams at the Scottish Institute of Sport on 01786 460147
