Ex-Peterborough coach Steenkamp join Veenendaal's Eastern Counties team

Wisbech Rugby Club have appointed Leonard Veenendaal as their new director of rugby.

His aim is to re-establish Wisbech as the undisputed leading club in the Fens and Eastern Counties.

The newly appointed DoR primary responsibility is for the implementation of both playing and coaching policy, overseeing transition of youth players into senior rugby with assistance of the head coach & colts coach.

The role will also see Veenendaal return to a more hands-on approach taking responsibility of the selection of 1st XV playing squad coaching and support staff, a role he covered as head coach for four seasons before stepping down at the end of the 2016/17 season.

New DoR Veenendaal was quick to appoint former Peterborough coach Nick Steenkamp as head coach ahead of pre-season starting Tuesday, July 24.

Steenkamp is no stranger to Wisbech having in the past worked with the Wisbech forwards as forwards consultant coach.

Veenendaal commented: "In the Championship with Rotherham Titans and Bedford Blues, Nico brings a lot of experience.

"I have always valued his experience across all three front row positions and insight into general forward play.

"A couple of seasons ago I asked him to assist us as consultant forwards coach and in a short space of time he improved our set piece and gave a much needed bite to our forwards.

"So when the opportunity arose to bring Nico to Wisbech on a full time basis to fill the vacant head coach position it was to good an opportunity to miss.

"I look forward to welcoming and working with Nico and with his appointment as head coach demonstrates our ambitions and the benchmark we have set as a club."

Veenendaal has also bolstered the senior playing squad with a number of experienced players returning to active playing as well as a number of exciting new signings ahead of the 2018-19 season.

"There is already a buzz of excitement amongst the players with the news of Nico's appointment as head coach, veteran and club stalwart David Wadsley retuning as club captain and the new quality players joining Wisbech ahead of pre-season which starts on July 24.

“We will be announcing and introducing some of these new players in the press over the coming weeks. “

The club has also strengthened their management committee with the recent appointment of Chris Hare as vice-chairperson which will no doubt contribute to the overall management and performance across the club.

Formal pre-season starts 24 July at 7pm and all new or returning players irrespective of ability or fitness are invited and encouraged to come along.