Chester RUFC have appointed Jan van Deventer as head coach for the 2016-17 season.
South Africa-born van Deventer arrives from Waterloo having guided the Merseyside club to a fourth place finish in National League Three North.
He spent six years as director of rugby at Blundellsands and moves to Hare Lane as a replacement for Jon Aby, who departs after 12 months in the role.
Van Deventer takes up his post with immediate effect ahead of the start of pre-season training.
Dave Craven, the club's director of sport, said: "We are delighted that Jan has agreed to join us as head coach.
"Jan is a very experienced coach with a strong rugby pedigree both as player and coach.
"He will be a great addition to the club as we continue our drive to build on the success we have had over the last few seasons."
Aby was appointed in May 2015 as a replacement for Nic Corrigan , who left his role as director of rugby in November 2014 with club stalwart Craven taking over in the interim.
Chester made a promising start to the 2015-16 campaign, winning three from four matches but then lost eight of the next 11.
Inconsistent performances led to the club being dragged into a relegation battle and survival was only secured with a hard-fought 22-16 win at Preston Grasshoppers on the final day of the season.
