International Rugby Coach to speak at Kent County Cricket Club

Current Wales Rugby coach, Warren Gatland, will be the guest speaker at a dinner hosted by Kent County Cricket Club, at the end of this season’s RBS Six Nations Competition. The occasion is being run in partnership with Canterbury Rugby Club.

Both Clubs noted that they are very pleased to be working closely together and to be able to bring an International coach of the calibre of Gatland to the county. “Warren has a very impressive coaching pedigree following International success with both Wales and Ireland, as well as Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup victories with London Wasps,” stated Kent Cricket CEO Jamie Clifford. Canterbury Rugby Club Chairman, Giles Hilton, noted that it is quite a unique situation for a Rugby & Cricket Club to be working so closely together, but saw it as a very positive direction. “We are thrilled to be working with Kent on the event. We are sharing resources, jointly promoting it and getting an insight into international sport at the highest level, in a Rugby World Cup year.”

As well as delivering an individual message, Gatland, a schoolboy cricket rep (and All Black) in his New Zealand homeland, will participate in a question and answer session, at the end of the evening with current Kent coach Paul Farbrace. Both men have domestic and International coaching experience (Farbrace working with Sri Lanka from 2007 to 2009), so they should be able to give interesting insights into the two sports, the athletes and differing coaching techniques. Differences between sportsmen in the two hemispheres and predictions on the fortunes of the home nations in the Rugby World Cup, in New Zealand, later this year will undoubtedly be of interest to those attending.

The event is being held on Thursday 24 March at the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury (7pm start). Tickets cost £50.00 per person and include a three course meal, with complimentary pre-dinner drinks. The evening is sponsored by Shepherd Neame. Over half of the 170 places available have already been sold. To book phone Kent Cricket on 01227 456 886 or visit www.kentcricket.co.uk.