By David Haigh

International stars Alex Lozowski and John Gallagher are set to help launch an ambitious new Academy at Canterbury Rugby Club.

The ACE Academy, a joint-venture between the club and the city’s Archbishop's School, is based on a Rugby Football Union pathway programme, designed to transition Academy players into professional rugby. It aims to provide a facility for local children, which removes all socio-economic barriers facing local students.

Saracens and England centre Lozowski and World Cup-winning New Zealand All Black full-back Gallagher were set to perform the official honours at Merton Lane this Wednesday.

Canterbury RFC’s head of player pathway Nathan Morris, who will lead the Academy's community coaching team, said: “The aim of the ACE Academy is dualistic.

“We wish to provide high-quality coaching, as well as creating opportunities for the young people of east Kent.

“We have been very lucky to have great support from our sponsors, who will also support the students with work experience and career advice.”

The Academy will be run by Canterbury RFC coaches Matt Corker, Alice Hayward and Ella Jenkins, together with Morris.

The Archbishop's School provides education for 850 mixed ability students, aged from 11 to 19.

Head teacher David Elliott said: “The school is proud to partner with Canterbury Rugby Football Club to introduce the Archbishop’s Canterbury Educational (ACE) Rugby Academy from September 2024.

“Our new partnership will offer unique opportunities for our higher-year students. The Academy programme will further enhance our sports offer at the school.

“This new venture perfectly aligns with our vision, which enables students to flourish.

“Engaging with Canterbury Rugby Club, our students will learn and grow and we are confident this partnership will be transformative for all involved.”

The Academy is a major addition to Canterbury RFC’s commitment to providing opportunities for everyone in the local community through a series of exciting new programmes for local schools.

Email Morris at nathan.morris@cantrugby.co.uk or Canterbury RFC director of rugby Taff Gwilliam at dor@cantrugby.co.uk for more information about the Academy.

Canterbury suffered a 45-26 defeat to last term’s National League 2 East champions, Esher, in their first pre-season friendly fixture on Saturday.