Canterbury Rugby Club have appointed their first, full time Head of Rugby.

The post has gone to Rugby Football Union Regional Development Officer Andy Pratt who will take up his duties next month.

For 39-year-old Andy it is a return to the club where he started his playing career when he was 10 and subsequently became a leading try scorer and first team captain.

After retiring from playing he became Canterbury’s Head Coach for four seasons and has been an RFU RDO in Kent for the past nine years.

In his new role he will oversee all the club’s rugby activities and manage the club’s community programme, developing the game across the area.

Canterbury’s Acting Chairman, Giles Hilton said: “This position is one we have been considering for a number of years, so it is an exciting appointment.”

“We had 19 high quality applications which meant Andy had to come through a tough interview process. His RFU background and his knowledge of the existing player base and supporters worked in his favour.”

Andy Pratt said: “I am hugely honoured and excited to be asked to take on this role as the club means so much to me.”

“We’re in great shape and should be looking to build on the solid foundations laid over the past few years across the club.”