The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel have announced a strong coaching line-up for the 2020 ANZ Premiership season.

Head coach Reinga Bloxham and assistant coach Lauren Piebenga return for their fourth season, while Steel legend Wendy Frew returns to the team in an assistant coaching role.

Frew will assist Steel training and games from Invercargill while Piebenga provides support from her base in Dunedin.

“Back for my fourth season, but sometimes if feels like my first time around when you continue to look at things differently and pull them apart,” said Bloxham.

“It’s really exciting to have Lauren back on board again, she’s been with me at Steel the whole time so her knowledge is amazing and she goes from strength-to-strength in her coaching ability.

“Wendy coming on as an assistant down in Invercargill adds extra strength as she has plenty of game knowledge and experience. She has huge respect from the players – when she speaks they stop and listen.”

Frew said she was excited about making the transition from a player into a coaching role.

“It’s great to be back with the girls, it feels like I never left with the friendships I still have. It’s a great opportunity to develop in the new environment.”

Piebenga was looking forward to the 2020 season in which the Steel will be looking to make another Finals Series appearance.

It’s great to have had the past three years with Reinga, we have a great understanding of each other and work well together. We’re really lucky to have a mixture of experience and youth this season and I think we will keep getting stronger as the season goes on.”

The Steel look to round out preparations for the new season when they head to Ōtaki today for a three-day pre-season tournament supported by Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

The opening match of the 2020 ANZ Premiership season sees the Steel host Splice Construction Magic at More FM Arena in Dunedin on Monday 16 March.

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