Plymouth Leander Swimming Club head coach Rudd, who guided Ben Proud to breaking the British 50m breaststroke record which had stood for a decade, has almost 25 years experience and is looking forward to the challenge of leading the English side to next year's Games on Scottish turf.

"It is a fantastic privilege to be leading my own country into a major Games," he said.

"There is something very special about being part of an England team in swimming as we almost always compete under the Union Flag.

"To bear the St George's Cross into a Commonwealth Games, hosted in Scotland, will undoubtedly stir that unique blend of friendship and rivalry that exists amongst the home nations of Great Britain.

"It will be my job up to and including the summer of 2014 to find every means possible to aid the English athletes in producing true world class performances in Glasgow next year."

Graham Wardell will coach the Scottish swimming team at next year's home Commonwealth Games



Meanwhile, Scotland has announced the appointment of City of Glasgow head coach Wardell, who coached British former world champions Katy Sexton and Gemma Spofforth, and most recently trained British record holder Robbie Renwick for the Olympics and World Championships.

"Glasgow is a very special city which I hold dear to my heart so it is a huge honour to have been given this opportunity to lead the Scottish Swimming team in Glasgow," he said.

"I know we will bring all of the fighting spirit and tenacity for which Scots are renowned to ensure we set the pool alight with our performances."

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