The Tennis Integrity Unit(TIU) has appointed a new legal director to their organisation, as the body moves to become a fully independent anti-corruption watchdog ahead of the 2021 season. The TIU have also revealed they will be renamed as the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on 1 January 2021.

The TIU have appointed Ben Rutherford to take up the role of Legal Director. At the TIU Rutherford will be expected to tackle corruption and match-fixing issues, with the role to expand to take on anti-doping within world tennis in 2022. 

Rutherford has a strong background in sports administration, having served as Senior Legal Counsel and Integrity Unit Manager for World Rugby. During his time at World Rugby, Rutherford established a high-level anti-corruption and integrity program and created anti-corruption partnerships with INTERPOL and the Gambling Commission.

Rutherford commented in a statement that he was delighted with the new opportunity with the TIU. “I have had a fantastic eleven years at World Rugby and I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve done there. It is fascinating to be at the start of a new journey in tennis with the formation of the ITIA and I can’t wait to begin,” Rutherford said.