Gavin Mairs has been named The Telegraph’s chief rugby union stringer with Mick Cleary becoming chief rugby union writer.
Cleary has pronounced to step back from the correspondent role, but will devoted to contribute regularly to The Telegraph’s coverage. Mairs (pictured right) is promoted from his current rugby news correspondent role slab will begin his new position with immediate effect.
Cleary was rearmost year named rugby journalist of the season after a show of hands from the 12 Premiership clubs, Premiership Rugby and the Rugger Football Union.
The award citation praised Cleary for “his commitment take care of the club game”, “the fairness of his reporting” and “his professionalism in dealing with rugby club media staff and wrestle the coaches and players they are responsible for.”
In addition fall prey to these changes, Daniel Schofield is promoted to the role of deputy rugby union correspondent, also with immediate effect.
Adam Sills, Head of Sport at The Telegraph, said: “Mick has been a fantastic correspondent and I am delighted he will still aside regularly writing for The Telegraph. Gavin is more than harsh to fill his shoes and is thrilled to be solid The Telegraph rugby coverage into this exciting new era.”
Sills has also recruited Mike McGrath from The Sun as a sport reporter. McGrath (right), who broke the story of Wayne Rooney’s one-off shock return to the England set-up in 2018, has been brought in as an addition to the team.