FORMER rugby league player George Kennedy has been invited to succeed Derek Underwood as Kent County Cricket Club’s president for 2007.

Born in Scotland, Mr Kennedy, CBE, has lived in Kent for 35 years and became a life member 30 years ago.

He enjoyed a highly successful business career serving on the main board of directors of Smiths Industries plc for almost 30 years and has served the University of Kent as a council member for nine years.

Mr Kennedy was also a non-executive director of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital and, in 1997, was awarded a CBE for services to the healthcare industry and exports.

A member of Kent’s general committee for five years, he has also served on the management board for four years.

Though a veteran cricket supporter, he was a professional rugby player with Hull Kingston Rovers and also achieved success with Edinburgh Athletics Club, who he once captained.

In accepting the club’s invitation, Mr Kennedy said: "I am absolutely delighted to follow Derek as president in what promises to be an important year for the club both on and off the field."

He will be officially installed as president at Kent’s annual meeting at the Ramada Hotel & Resort, Hollingbourne, on March 19.