Moffett joins Sport England

David Moffett has been confirmed as the new chief executive of Sport England, the latest in a growing list of Australians appointed to high-level jobs in British sports administration.

Moffett, 54, who has held a series of jobs in rugby league and union in his home country, will take up his £140,000-a-year post in January. He succeeds Derek Casey as head of the body which distributes Government and Lottery money to sport. Casey was sacked following the appointment of Richard Caborn as sports minister in June.

"I was born in Doncaster and have always retained a deep interest in English sport," Moffett said. "Since moving to Australia, I have been involved with international sporting organisations and this has allowed me to work with English officials in different sports.

"I've had the chance to observe some of the issues they face and to compare these with other countries. I am looking forward to returning and contributing to what is a vital programme for English sport."