News
New Head Coaches appointed to Blues Women
Bedford Blues are delighted to announce the double appointment of Peter Frost and Darryl Veenendaal who become joint Head Coaches of Blues Women ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Veenendaal needs no introduction following an established career in the professional game including a seven-year stint at Goldington Road, making 147 appearances and contributing over 100 points.
Initially coming through the ranks in the Northampton Saints Academy, Veenendaal has also featured for Nottingham and Ampthill; amassing more than 250 second-tier appearances and a wealth of knowledge to impart on the team next season.
On the coaching front, he has experience in the women’s game from his time at the University of Nottingham women’s programme, before progressing into player/coach roles at Ampthill and Cambridge. He recently joined Bedford Queens as Head Coach, who like Blues Women, also train at Bedford Athletic RFC on Wentworth Drive.
Commenting on his appointment, Veenendaal said: “It’s really exciting to be back at this special club. The women’s team had a lot of success last year and naturally, I want to help them in this new league and with their development.
“Everyone knows my history with Bedford as a player. I had a lot of great memories during my time at Goldington Road and love it here. Hopefully there’ll be many more to come in this role.
“I really want to help grow the game, the level of support, and everything else that comes with it to ensure women’s rugby thrives at Bedford Blues.”
Frost, who is tasked with taking charge of the forwards pack, ensures continuity will remain following last season’s title winning exploits having been part of Mark Stapley’s coaching set-up during the triumphant campaign.
An international representative with England Police during his playing days, Frost spent time coaching age grade rugby at nearby Bishop’s Stortford before delving into the senior game for the first-time last season.
On stepping up into the joint Head Coach position, former prop Frost, added: “We’ve got an extremely talented squad, had an amazing pre-season so far and the team have worked really hard to reach the final in all three tournaments they’ve appeared in. We’re fully focused on the league now and can’t wait to get going.
“It’s going to be a huge step up into NC2 next season, but pre-season has already shown that the squad is stronger, fitter, faster and more skilful than before and therefore we should be targeting an impressive campaign.”
As part of this double announcement, Mark Stapley becomes Head of Women and Girls’ Rugby and will continue to oversee the development of the whole programme. A big welcome also to Joanna Gray who takes on the role of Team Manager for the Women’s side.
There are still opportunities to join Blues Women for the upcoming season with training sessions taking place every Tuesday and Thursday (7:30-9pm). Email womensrugbybedford@gmail.com for the full details or head down and join in with a session!
*Photography provided by FennellTakesPhotos*
