Thrilled and excited – that was Rob Andrew’s reaction as he prepared to take over as chief executive at Sussex.

The county confirmed the appointment tonight and will introduce Andrew to the media at Hove tomorrow.

Andrew is best known for his feats in rugby, both in England’s No.10 shirt and off the pitch, but he also won a cricketing Blue at Cambridge.

He starts work in January and takes over from Zac Toumazi, whose efforts at Hove were lauded by Sussex tonight.

In a statement, Andrew, 53, said: “I am thrilled and really excited to be joining Sussex.

“The structures that have been put in place under the Sussex Cricket Limited umbrella have laid a very strong foundation for the future.

“I am looking forward to working with everyone connected with Sussex to help create success in professional cricket, recreational cricket and community programmes and ensuring that Hove remains a very special cricket ground.

“I will be focusing on driving forward the strategy over the next few years and helping write the next chapter in the rich history of cricket in Sussex.

“These are exciting times for Sussex cricket and cricket in general and I can't wait to get started.”

Sussex chairman Jim May said he was “extremely pleased” with the appointment of ex-Wasps and Newcastle star Andrew.

May added: “He has exceptional experience, both playing and administering sport, which will be of great help to our cricket management delivering success.

“Rob will be joining us at an important moment and he fully believes in our strategy of increasing the quantity and quality of participation in the recreational game.

“This is designed to build a stronger player pathway to ensure that Sussex succeeds at the top level of cricket in the long term.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Zac, who leaves a strong legacy and with the thanks of everyone involved in Sussex cricket for his four years at the helm.”