A Northallerton coach has been headhunted to lead the best rugby union team in Italy.

Andrew Jepson, who has been the RFU's development officer in North Yorkshire for seven years, has been appointed director of development to the Italian champions, Viadana.

Despite being only a small town in the north of Italy, Viadana is a driving force in Italian rugby and has a number of Italian internationals on its books. Mr Jepson and partner Jean will make the move to Italy at the end of August.

"I'm delighted to accept this offer, as during the past years my work has taken me to Italy on a considerable number of occasions," he said.

He forged links with Italian rugby through the Rugby Quest scheme he started. The project brings Italian players to Northallerton for a summer rugby school.

He was headhunted after making a presentation at the National Coaching Conference. "Having visited the club and town recently, I'm convinced that this is a great opportunity," he said. "It will offer a new challenge to both myself and Jean.

"We will miss the warmth and friendliness of Northallerton, but know that the support we will both receive at Viadana will help us settle in very quickly".

One of his final acts was to co-ordinate the Rugby Quest scheme this year.

As well as their rugby lessons, the guests are having English language lessons and will have time to visit attractions in the Northallerton area.

Local youngsters are welcome to attend the rugby training sessions and anyone interested can turn up on the day. There is a fee of £20 per week, which includes a t-shirt and a rugby ball to take home.

Training sessions start at Northallerton Rugby Club, Brompton Road, Northallerton, 10am-3.30, from this Monday until Friday, August 2. Youngsters are advised to arrive at the start of each week to register and should bring suitable sports wear and a packed lunch