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Kenyon has had spells with Man United, Chelsea and Umbro. John Walton/EMPICS Sport
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Peter Kenyon on board as Irish firm merges with international rugby agency

The former Man United and Chelsea chief executive has joined Esportif International.

PETER KENYON, THE former Chief Executive of both Manchester United and Chelsea, has joined Esportif International on the same day that Irish firm Cornerflag Management merges with the global rugby agency.

Esportif International, launched in 2011, is a growing force in the world of rugby agencies, with the likes of Matt Giteau, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Charles Piutau and Johann Muller represented by the sports management company.

Irish firm Cornerflag Management - founded and run by one-time Australian international and Ulster back Ryan Constable – merges under the Esportif banner in a move that Constable called an “opportunity to extend our global reach” to the benefit of both the players and clubs they work with.

Cornerflag, for whom ex-Ulster and Ireland ‘A’ fullback Bryn Cunningham works on client development, currently have well-known names such as Rory Best, Tommy Bowe, Steven Ferris, Sean Cronin, Paddy Jackson and Zane Kirchner on their books.

The amalgamation comes on the same day that Peter Kenyon joins Esportif International in the role of Non-Executive Chairman. Having previously worked with sportswear firm Umbro before joining Man United in 1997, his switch to Chelsea in 2003 was a controversial one but Kenyon went on to become a key voice at the London-based club until departing in 2009.

Having been “active within the international business community” in recent times, the Stalybridge native now takes his first step into the world of rugby. Kenyon has big plans for his new employers.

I am delighted to join Esportif International. This is a business whose success is based upon their strong professional backgrounds and significant expertise and experience in the global rugby market. I am looking forward to assisting Esportif in becoming the globally recognised leader in the management of world class rugby players and coaches.”

Esportif’s European stable currently includes high-profile players such as Welsh international duo Jonathan Davies and Mike Phillips, with Esportif’s intention now being to continue a development towards being “the leading global rugby management agency.”

Duncan Sandlant, Managing Director of the firm, will be keen to lead the way as rugby wages continue to grow and the transfer of players between clubs gets increasingly common. The first €1 million salary for a rugby professional may be just around the corner, with the likes of Esportif sure to be involved in that action.

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