Kings School has two new international coaches to head up its rugby and rowing programmes.

The new head of Rugby is Jim Thompson who has played rugby for Scotland and Mark Beer who has coached athlete’s to international level in rowing.

Jim was picked for a full tour to Argentina and played full back in the Scotland World Cup seven-a-side squads on three occasions.

As the son of Radio Five Live presenter Derek Thompson, and the grandson of the voice of rugby, the late Bill McLaren, Jim has lived rugby since he was a child.

He said: “I am really looking forward to developing the rugby programme across the school and very excited to have the opportunity to inspire the students to reach their potential.

“I will look to pass on my knowledge and experience from what I have learnt over my eight year professional rugby career. These are exciting times for King’s Ely sport”.

Mark has coached athletes to national and international level, but most recently as the athlete development coach for Cambridge University Boat Club.

His main task was to develop the talents of novice oarsmen to the point where they became representative for the full university squad.

Mark said: “I’m looking forward to working with an energetic and dynamic group of students and coaches to further develop rowing within the school. The school has great facilities and arguably the best stretch of river in the country for rowing right on its doorstep”.

The two additions to the already experienced coaching staff at King’s Ely support the school’s drive to deliver the finest sporting opportunities, inspiring young pupils said King’s Ely principal Sue Freestone,.

“I look forward to some exciting developments in the sporting life of the school,” she said.