Preparing for 2018-2019 season on and off the pitch

Wisbech RUFC are preparing for the 2018-2019 season on and off the pitch.

Pre-season training led by director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal and newly appointed head coach Nico Steenkamp started on July 24 and 40-plus senior players have been working hard on all aspects of the game.

The senior squad will play a pre-season friendly at Spalding RFC on Saturday. This will be followed by a friendly against West Norfolk RFC on August 25 and Deepings RFC on September 1. Additional consultant coaches with specialist focus will also be used ahead of the league fixtures which kick off on September 8 at home for both the 1st XV and the Wildcats.

The pre-season sessions have been attended by a number of the U17s squad who will have their transition to senior rugby managed by Veenendaal and U17s coach Mark Goude during the coming season. This transition has been identified as one of the key objectives both on and off the pitch.

The senior squad playing as the Wildcats attended Robbie’s Rugby Festival in support of the Andersons Cancer Trust and Jake McCarthy Foundation at Loughborough. This gave an opportunity for several of the new players to get to know their team-mates. Wisbech RUFC thank Eastern Rent-a-Van for providing transport to the Festival.

Further support has come from new kit sponsor A R Haddon, Plant Hire and Groundwork Contractors. Del Monte Fresh Produce have donated items for use at functions and charity events.