English polo fans are expecting great things from their national team following a big shake-up of the management structure. The governing body, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), recently appointed former England captain Andrew Hine as team manager and top Argentine star Javier Novillo Astrada, who has a handicap of nine, as team coach. Andrew Tucker continues in his role as chef d'equipe for the team.

Andrew Hine has been a polo professional for 23 years, played in 17 countries and captained England from 1999 until 2003. Commenting on his appointment, he said: "The England team have come a very long way with Audi's continuing support and under the guidance of John Horswell as coach.

"The evolution of this England team organisation into two specialist positions of coach and manager, is something that has functioned very well in other sports and I am sure will translate effectively to polo. It is a great honour to have been asked to fulfil the role and I am looking forward to England's three Test matches this summer."

Hine, who takes the role with immediate effect, is already planning his strategy to beat New Zealand in the Williams De Broe Test match at the Beaufort Polo Club on June 21 and the Cartier International against Australia on July 27 at Guards. England's final fixture will see them take on South America in the St Regis International Test Match at Cowdray on August 31.

New coach Javier Novillo Astrada has won every major tournament worldwide, including the Argentine Open, and he will work closely with Andrew Hine.

Commenting on the latest appointment, HPA Chief Executive David Woodd said: "We are delighted Javier has agreed to be the England coach. He is highly respected and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from which the English players will greatly benefit. This is an important appointment for our top players and we are grateful to Audi for their support and for making it possible."

Javier Novillo Astrada won the Argentine Open in 2003 and in doing so secured the triple crown of polo with his team La Aguada. Commenting on his appointment he said: "I am very much looking forward to working with Andrew Hine and the England polo team. The HPA have been very progressive with the development of the national team and I look forward to being part of it both here and in Argentina."