Brian Barwick goes from FA to RFL

Former Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick has been appointed as the new non-executive chairman of the Rugby Football League.

Barwick takes over from former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins, who stood in as interim chairman following the departure to the All England Club of Richard Lewis last May.

Salford City Reds are poised to announce the completion of the club's takeover by racehorse owner Dr Marwan Koukash. The St Helens-based businessman has been locked in negotiations for a fortnight but will become the Super League club's new owner and chairman in time for Friday's opening game against Wigan.