RUGBY.com.au appoints editor-in-chief

Rugby Australia has today announced the appointment of respected sports writer Iain Payten as Editor-in-Chief of RUGBY.com.au.

Payten brings 20 years of sports journalism experience to RUGBY.com.au and will oversee all content and development on the growing news platform.

The former News Corp senior sports writer has covered Rugby for the past ten years at The Daily Telegraph, and previously worked in senior roles with The Australian and London’s Daily Mail as well as covering other major sports including rugby league and cricket.

Payten will lead a new-look RUGBY.com.au team with a greater focus on delivering broadcast content, to complement the writing of journalists Beth Newman, Sam Phillips and Martin Cambridge.

Joining Payten at RUGBY.com.au is another new recruit in up-and-coming reporter and producer, Sarah Friend. Friend previously worked as a presenter and reporter for Nine News across its regional network in Queensland.

Payten will begin in the role next Monday (July 2).