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Coaching Team

Jan van Deventer
Director of Rugby 2010/11

Known to all as "J-Lo", sports teacher Jan, 30, had an illustrious playing career at Waterloo as well as coaching the 1^st XV backs and Colts last season. Equally well known for his bone-shuddering tackling as for his finishing ability, left-winger Jan scored 64 tries from 145 starts with Waterloo before injury forced early retirement. But there was more to come at the end of last season as Waterloo’s player shortage reached critical levels. Although at the time he was the backs coach, Jan pulled his boots on twice more to show the youngsters a thing or two and score 2 tries in 2 appearances. Hopefully we'll see even more of him this season.

Born in South Africa and now settled in Crosby with wife Emma and baby daughter Jessica Louise, Jan is clearly relishing the challenge of his new role, saying, “Having coached alongside Steve last season, I am relishing the opportunity to take the lead responsibility for developing this young squad further. Division 3 North next season will be tough and the budget is tight, but we have a talented squad which I am looking to strengthen.”

As to the team’s chances, Jan is realistic, “The target is mid-table but simply staying up on a balanced budget will give us the stability we so desperately need. Anything more would be a bonus!”

Gareth Hopkin
Coach 2010/11

One of the best analytical rugby brains in the country, Gareth sees things everyone else misses and then brings these insights into training and game plans. Returning to coaching once again at Waterloo, Gareth brings a unique style, some might even call it uncompromising, which has been proven time and again to bring the best out of players.

Mark Beckett
Scrum/Lineout Coach 2010/11

One of Waterloo's all-time great props, Mark is a busy man at Waterloo these days. A club director, vice-chairman of the mini & junior section and a specialist forwards coach too!

Peter Buckton
Attack Coach 2010/11

A Waterloo legend, in his day unarguably the best specialist openside in England. Peter brings many years of playing and coaching experience at the highest levels. Continuity, recycling and dynamism are his mantra.

Dan Palmer
Strength and Conditioning Coach 2010/11

Back-rower Dan Palmer, 29, has returned to play and coach at the club where he grew up. Starting in the minis at just four years old, Dan stayed at Waterloo for the next 23 years becoming a regular at both Waterloo and Lancashire. After a schoolboy career in which he reached the North of England at U16 level, his 1^st XV debut came in 2001 and he went on to rack up over 130 appearances before leaving Waterloo in 2008 to spend a season at Fylde and then last season at Birkenhead Park.

Having qualified as a personal trainer, Dan is now making his hobby his business. He has set up his own fitness and conditioning company Pioneer Fitness, offering personal training for all levels. As well as one-to-one training, he also offersa group sessions (text “PT” to 07917 865144 for full details).