A BOLTON wrestling coach has been handed a major role for the home 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Sharples Wrestling Club and Castle Hill Wrestling Club’s head coach Eddy Kavanagh has been appointed as the Team England wrestling team leader for the event which is in Birmingham in two years’ time.

Having taken on a similar role on the Gold Coast at the last Commonwealth Games, Kavanagh has been handed the task again having seen three of five athletes return from Australia with a bronze medal for their efforts in 2018.

“It is an absolute honour and a privilege to represent my country as the England team leader for wrestling,” he said, having secured the voluntary role after a competitive interview process.

“To have the opportunity to do this for a second time at a home games in Birmingham is going to be something really special.”

Since the inclusion of wrestling in the inaugural 1930 Commonwealth Games, the sport has been contested 18 times with Team England athletes winning 66 medals.

Mark England, Team England Chef de Mission for Birmingham 2022, said: “I would like to congratulate Eddy on his appointment as wrestling team leader for Birmingham 2022.

“It’s fantastic to have him on the team given his past experience and vast knowledge of the sport.

“I am sure Eddy will be a huge asset to Team England and I look forward to working with him as we build for a home games.”

Craig Anthony, chief executive of British Wrestling, hoped the efforts of Kavanagh could raise the sport’s profile.

He said: “I’m delighted that Eddy has agreed to take on this important role as we prepare for a home Commonwealth Games in 2022.

“As performance lead for the Build for Birmingham squad Eddy has both the experience and athlete relationships to enable our English athletes to hit the ground running as soon as wrestling can return.

“I’m confident that he will ensure they are as prepared as possible for the games which present an excellent opportunity to build the profile of wrestling in the UK.”