Canterbury Rugby Club have added former Scotland and Barbarians international Mattie Stewart to their coaching staff ahead of the new season.

The former Northampton prop – a serving NCO with the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment – will arrive at Merton Lane as a forwards coach following success as part of the Army coaching staff, which guided the side to victory in this season’s Inter-Services Tournament.

Canterbury chairman Giles Hilton (pictured) said: "It is a major coup for the club to get Mattie on board.

"He started his playing career as a member of the Canterbury colts section so he is delighted to be returning to his rugby roots.

"His experience at top level, both as a player and coach, will be invaluable."

Stewart, who was capped 34 times for Scotland, played for Blackheath before going on to make 98 appearances for Northampton with whom he won a European Cup Winners Cup medal.

He represented the prestigious Barbarians in two games and won a host of caps for the Army.

The 38-year-old joins lead coach Andy Pratt in a new-look managerial set-up at the city club as they prepare for life in National 3 London & South East after their relegation from National 2 South.