GLOUCESTER have appointed England hooker Neil McCarthy as the club's new Head of Academy.

McCarthy joins the club in a newly-created role as Gloucester seek to enhance their Academy set-up. He will head up a new-look structure which will continue to feature Peter Buxton and Alex Guest in coaching roles.

The former England international hooker is no stranger to Kingsholm. He started his career at Bath, but it was in Gloucester colours that he made his name, earning three England caps and featuring in the 1999 Rugby World Cup squad.

He subsequently represented Bristol Rugby and Orrell before a knee injury ended his playing career.

More recently, McCarthy was the Leicester Tigers Academy Manager for seven-and-a-half years, where he oversaw the development of a host of young talented players including the likes of Tom Croft, Dan Cole, George Ford, Manu Tuilagi and brothers Tom and Ben Youngs who have all gone on to achieve international recognition.

His new role will see him charged with ensuring a pipeline of young talent capable of making the grade at first team level with Gloucester Rugby and beyond, primarily through developing the already burgeoning relationship with Hartpury College.

McCarthy told the Gloucester Rugby website this week: "As someone who is proud to say that he represented Gloucester Rugby as a player, I know the club and the city, what a passionate rugby area this is and how important it is to have locally produced players wearing the Cherry and White.

"I've also been fortunate enough to have gained a very good understanding of the Aviva Premiership throughout my career, as a player and as an administrator, and appreciate what it takes to ensure that a strong and vibrant Academy continually produces young players capable of making the grade.

"The foundations are here. Gloucester is one of country's strongest rugby areas and my role is to build upon that, enhancing the relationships that we already have with local clubs and schools as well as developing new ones.”

Director of Rugby David Humphreys added: "I'm delighted to welcome Neil McCarthy to Gloucester Rugby. We are continually seeking to make improvements in all areas of the club and have determined that we need to enhance the way we identify and develop our young players through the Academy system.

"This new post will enhance our existing Academy structure, the calibre of applicant was extremely high, but we're delighted to have secured the services of someone who possesses the experience and knowledge that Neil does.

"His previous role at the Leicester Tigers, where he was responsible for developing numerous players who have gone on to enjoy successful playing careers at the highest level, makes him the ideal candidate to implement and lead a new structure.”