The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has appointed Dr Peter Davis as the new general manager of high performance.

Davis comes from the US Olympic Committee where he was director of coaching and sports sciences.

He was formerly with the Olympic athlete program with the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

ARU managing director Gary Flowers described Dr Davis' appointment as a coup for rugby in Australia.

"This is an exciting appointment. Peter brings to rugby an impeccable track record in sports science and leadership of elite coaches and elite athletes," Flowers said.

"He is also an Australian who has succeeded in carving out an enviable record at the international level with both the United States summer and winter games teams."

Davis replaces Brett Robinson.

Meanwhile, Channel 7 will continue its coverage of Test rugby through till 2010.

Super 12, however, will remain a pay-television preserve.

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