Canterbury Rugby Club will be looking forward to the new season with extra relish after securing the biggest sponsorship deal in their history.

The club, who play in National League 3 South, have signed a five-year, six-figure deal with Canterbury-based firm The Marine Travel Company.

Managing Director David Thompson said: “We are delighted to be supporting a club that has achieved a great deal in recent seasons and this new sponsorship will help build on that success.

“It is aimed not only at improving facilities for supporters but the whole structure of the club and rugby in East Kent. With all the changes that are happening in the game, we want to help Canterbury meet the challenges.”

The new deal comes after a two-year partnership between club and company.

In addition, The Marine Travel Company will fund the building of a 75-seat stand at the club’s Merton Lane headquarters.

Canterbury sponsorship co-ordinator John Pratt added: “Marine Travel have supported us for the past two years and the value of that relationship is reflected in this new sponsorship.”