By David Haigh

A well-known man on the Kent rugby scene has been appointed Canterbury's first director of rugby.

Taff Gwilliam, a former long-serving head coach at Medway Rugby Club and current director of rugby of the Kent County representative teams, will join the National 2 East outfit from July 1.

"Taff's appointment will take the club in a new, focused direction as he guides rugby strategy and our community rugby commitment,” said Canterbury chairman Giles Hilton.

"It gives head coach Matt Corker the freedom to concentrate on the playing and coaching side, and he and Taff will work in close cooperation."

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of taking the club to the next level,” said Gwilliam, who stepped down at Medway this January and will be replaced by Ricky Reeves at Priestfields.

"I have been taking a break from rugby, but Giles made a compelling argument for me to return.

“Canterbury are one of Kent's top clubs with good coaches and players.

“They have excellent sponsors and supporters and to be involved in growing such a club was too good an opportunity to turn down.”

Canterbury head coach Matt Corker added: "It’s great that Taff will be involved, bringing his wealth of knowledge to the club.

“My focus is on giving all players, throughout the club, the best rugby experience possible and Taff’s appointment is going to help us take a strategic approach to this goal, while deepening our links with the Kent rugby landscape."

Gwilliam comes with a strong record of success at club and county levels.

While with Medway, he led them to several promotions and his involvement with Kent includes three National County Championship finals at both senior and under-20 levels.