Sunderland appoint Scottish Rugby data specialist James Mullins as Head of Business Insights | OneFootball

Sunderland have appointed James Mullins as Head of Business Insights, joining from Scottish Rugby. The hire strengthens the club's off-field operation.

He said in a post that he was delighted to join Sunderland, calling it a privilege and an exciting new chapter. Mullins added that he looks forward to working with David Bruce, Brandon Furse, Scott McCubbin and colleagues to build on existing momentum, describing the club as having huge potential.

Mullins spent more than five years with Scottish Rugby, most recently as Head of Digital and Data. He had earlier served as Head of Data and Insights and as Data Science Manager.

His experience also spans academia, including time as an associate lecturer at Northumbria University and a lecturer in sports performance analysis at the University of Gloucestershire.

Earlier in his career he worked as a performance analyst at Performance Advantage, providing consultancy across elite sport, including with Durham CCC and the Scottish Rugby Union.

The appointment underlines Sunderland’s commitment to data-led decision-making across football and commercial departments, with investment in people and infrastructure to support long-term growth.

Source: Sunderland Echo