Canterbury Rugby Club have parted company with head coach Danny Vaughan following relegation from National 2 South.

The decision ends Vaughan's seven year spell as head coach and following him out of the club is backs coach Tim McBennett.

Canterbury have named RFU Regional Development Officer Andy Pratt as lead coach for the 2011/12 season and further appointments to the coaching team will be announced shortly.

Chairman Giles Hilton said: “I want to thank Danny (pictured) for all his work during the seven-year period which has been the most successful period in the club’s history.

“However, it was felt that change was needed to guide the club into the next era. To take us there we feel we have the right man in Andy and we are delighted that he has agreed to head the coaching team.”

Pratt is a product of the club’s junior system. He has captained both the Canterbury club and the Kent side and has been a prolific try scorer during his playing career.

He is employed as a regional development officer in Kent by the RFU.