NORTHWICH Rugby Club Director of Rugby Martin Poste has strengthened his coaching team in preparation for the forthcoming season with the appointment of former Nottingham, Liverpool St Helens and Caldy No.8 Duncan Hendry.

The powerful ex-England under 16s and under 18s player, who achieved county representative rugby for Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire for many years, has been appointed as forwards coach to work alongside head coach Sam Naylor and assistant forwards coach Chris Dale.

Hendry, a teacher at St Anselms Grammar School in Birkenhead, played under Martin Poste at Caldy.

“When I received a telephone call from Postie and he outlined his plans and aims for the coming season, I had no hesitation in accepting the invitation to join his coaching team at Northwich,”said Hendry.

“The club has a strong desire and determination to maintain their National League status and I will be delighted to assist in the club achieving that aim.

“Postie knows what I can bring to the club by way of skills and experience and I am very excited about getting to work with the forwards.”

Poste said: “Duncan’s pace, power and skills helped Caldy become a potent force in the region.

“His knowledge and experience will be vital in preparing our forwards to meet the demands of playing at National League level.”

Blacks take on Ruthin in a pre-season friendly at Moss Farm on Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Two overseas recruits have arrived in good time for the new campaign.

Australian utility back Tim Wilson, 24, recently played for Australian rugby union grade four club West Harbour, Sydney, and has previously appeared for the city’s senior outfit, Randwick Rugby Club.

Liam Batt, a scrum half come stand off from New Zealand, played for Hawkes Bay Premier side Napier Pirates.

Northwich Guardian: Liam BattLiam Batt