Former Namibian international Ryan de la Harpe has been appointed Vagabonds’ new head of rugby.

The 35-year-old moves to the island from Lancashire where he was a multi-skills sports coach working in primary schools in the South Ribble and Fylde areas.

Prior to that de la Harpe held coaching roles with Myerscough College, Lancashire RFU and Lancaster University.

With the latter he enjoyed success with both the women’s and men’s teams guiding both to promotion. Earlier this year he helped the men’s team to their first Roses Intervarsity win over Yorkshire for 10 years.

Ryan’s new position at the Ballafletcher outfit means he will have responsibility for all sections at the club, including juniors, women’s and the men’s first team which will be playing in Lancashire/Cheshire Division Three alongside Ramsey this season after suffering relegation last term.

De la Harpe’s playing career as a scrum-half began in his home country, where he made international appearances at under-16, u17 and u18s level. He was also a member of the South Africa under-21 elite squad.

The talented number nine played for Orange Free State in the latter country, before moving to England in 2007.

A spell at West Park (St Helens) brought some game time with Sale Sharks Jets and the Lancashire county side.

After impressing for the latter, a move to full-time outfit Birmingham Moseley came about in 2010.

A call-up to Namibia’s 2011 World Cup squad followed as de la Harpe won a total of nine caps for the African nation before a spell at Fylde RUFC back in Lancashire.

Men’s training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 6.30pm. The women’s side train at the same time on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Vagas’ junior sessions are held on Sunday afternoons at 2pm.