Andy Pratt says stepping down as head coach at Canterbury was the hardest decision he has ever had to make.

The former city club captain, 38, came through the junior ranks at Merton Lane, but has opted to stand down after four years at the helm with former Fiji international Nicky Little named as his successor on Tuesday afternoon.

While Pratt claimed he was keen to spend more time with his family after four gruelling years at the National 2 South side, it is believed that disagreements over the off-field structure of the club contributed to his decision.

Pratt revealed: “Principally the reason is that I have been in the role for four years and it has taken a lot out of me. I have another job with the RFU and the antisocial hours means I have not been able to spend as much time with my family as I’d have liked.”

He added: “There is no ill-feeling. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a player and a coach. I have some great memories here. I wouldn’t rule out coming back in the future.”

Pratt claimed it was the ‘hardest decision I’ve had to make’ but would only admit: “I believe change was necessary to survive in what is an increasingly professional league on and off the field, but it was clear the club wanted to maintain the status quo.

“Certain changes which I requested weren’t going to happen - I wanted to have control of the rugby side and it never happened.

“I was offered an extension but if we were to have another difficult year like last season then I wanted to have things on my own terms.”

Pratt said he has not got another role lined-up, though added: “I want to keep my hand in. I want to keep developing as a coach.”

He revealed his best memory at the club came at the end of 2011/12, saying: “Bouncing straight back up to National 2 South in my first season was my best memory but the season I am most proud of is last season, considering the circumstances we were given.

“It was a hard season but seeing the young players come through it was an achievement. It was the sort of thing that helps you grow as a person and a coach.

"I look back with pride at my time at the club and I believe the club is in a stronger position that when I came in.”