By Mary Stevens
Sports columnist Jim White is leaving The Guardian to join The Daily Telegraph, where he will write a column for the main paper as well as the separate sports section.
He is replacing sports writer Giles Smith, who is moving to The Times.
White said: “I’m excited about starting. It’s an honour to join such a strong roster of writers and work alongside the likes of Paul Hayward, Henry Winter, Sue Mott and Martin Johnson. It’s great to be able to write for the main paper too – that was the clincher.”
Telegraph sports editor David Welch said: “Jim White is a terrific wordsmith who can be expected to establish himself very quickly in our award-winning team. We are delighted that he has agreed to join us.”
White, who specialises in football and cricket, was a founding member of The Independent in 1986 and has been at The Guardian since 1996, where he has written features and sports columns.
He is a regular presenter on BBC radio and won a Sony Gold award for his documentary about Wembley Stadium.
Smith was a sports columnist for The Independent on Sunday and worked on the features desk of The Independent before joining the Telegraph in 1995.
On signing Smith, Times editor Robert Thomson said: “The Times has the most talented and creative team of sports writers and there is no doubt that Giles will add to that literary lustre.
“This is the biggest news in sport since the 1966 World Cup win.”
Smith said: “The Times has a great reputation for sports coverage and a proven commitment to intelligent, feisty and funny writing. I am looking forward to getting started.”
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