Wisbech RUFC begin planning for next London 3 Eastern Counties season

Wisbech RUFC have begun preparations and planning for the next season.

A new management committee has been elected at the club's latest AGM. One important change in personnel sees longstanding member David Wadsley take the role of club captain.

He made his senior rugby debut at the age of 17. David was 1st XV captain during the 2012-13 season.

Oliver Mackett, who has been club captain for four years, said: “I’m very excited to focus back on playing this year. We have a lot in the pipeline for next season and a number of new players joining the club.”

The new management committee will include a director of rugby, a new role which is expected to be appointed ahead of pre-season training which starts on July 24. Talks are already underway with prospective new head coach candidates.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Eastern Rent a Van the senior squad will once again take part in Robbie’s Rugby Festival, a charity 10-a-side event at Loughborough Grammar School on July 28, as part of the pre-season programme.

Chairman Leonard Veenendaal in his address to the AGM said that the key aim for the next part of the club’s development would be to successfully transition young players to senior rugby.

He praised the work of all coaches in the mini and junior sections and encouraged those who undertake coaching at the club to attend coaching courses with the support of the club.

Leonard emphasised his ambition for the club to deserve its reputation as the leading rugby club in Fenland and one of the most progressive clubs in the Eastern Counties.

The 2018-2019 season will see the 1st XV continue to compete in RFU London & South East Division Club competition by playing fixtures in the London 3 Eastern Counties league.

The Wildcats will play in the Eastern Counties Division 3 West. Both senior XVs will also enter the Cambridgeshire Rugby Union Cup competitions.

In the club’s junior section squads for U13s to U17s will play friendly fixtures as well as taking part in the Cambridgeshire Rugby Union Cups and Eastern Counties Rugby Union competitions.

Mini rugby for young players aged 6 to 12 years will continue to provide an introduction to the game as well as playing friendly fixtures, attending festivals and taking part in Cambridgeshire Rugby Union events.

The new season for mini and junior rugby will start on Sunday, September 2. New players will be very welcome and more details about the start of the new season will be advertised in August.