The new position sees Manning-Cooper, who left London 2012 last month, become part of the England Rugby 2015 leadership team where she will be responsible for the ticketing and volunteering campaigns, promoting the tournament.

She will also be responsible for managing and implementing the England 2015 brand, media relations, running the press office and coordinating press operations.

"With less than 1,000 days to go to the tournament we are strengthening our senior team and Joanna has been appointed following a competitive recruitment process for this important new role within the England Rugby 2015 leadership team," said England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans.

"Joanna did an exceptional job for London 2012, and her skills and experience in major sporting events will be a great asset as we promote Rugby World Cup 2015 to the world."

Manning-Cooper has 20 years of integrated communications and media experience while her six-and-a-half years at London 2012 saw her assume responsibility for the global PR and media activity to promote the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans has helped recruit several of her formal London 2012 colleagues

Prior to London 2012, she was director of global communications for the Financial Times.

Manning-Cooper becomes the latest London 2012 staff member to move to take a senior role at England Rugby 2015.

Jevans herself served as the London 2012 director of sport while former London 2012 head of sport operations Neil Snowball was appointed rugby operations director in November last year.

London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton was also appointed to the England Rugby World Cup 2015 Board last month.

Manning-Cooper is set to take up her new role on Wednesday (January 9).

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