Sports stars targeted by agency

Strategic International Management LLP (SIM) is a joint venture with the ex-Ireland international and his son, Scott, and will operate in conjunction with Lupton Fawcett's sports and media department.

Stephen Taylor Heath, head of the department, which already represents a number of professional sportspeople, said: "Setting up SIM is a natural extension of our involvement in the world of sport. We believe we are the best people to help clients maximise their earnings and commercial market potential.

"We have also entered into associate agreements with key rainmakers in golf, cricket, rugby league and rugby union as well as boxing, to provide similar services for professionals in those sports.

Frank Stapleton said: "What we are trying to do at SIM gives players the specialised, professional help they need, while they can have day-to-day advice from an ex-professional who has played at a high level."

Lupton Fawcett, which has offices in Leeds and Sheffield, launched its sports and media law department in February last year.

It says SIM will cover every aspect of a player's career and welfare,

from playing contracts and image rights, through to pensions and tax

advice.