NEW Earswick All Blacks have confirmed the appointment of former York Knights Head Coach Andrew Henderson as Director of Rugby.

Henderson has joined New Earswick on a consultancy basis whilst continuing in his Director of Rugby role with the Knights, which he transitioned into in April this year from his previous Head Coach role, allowing Mark Applegarth to join York.

New Earswick, who play in the Yorkshire Mens League division three, ended their 2024 campaign in fifth position on nine points after 14 matches.

Now looking towards next season, the club have announced the consultancy appointment of Henderson, who arrives boasting valuable experience.

Henderson started his career at Salford City Reds in 2001, before going on to gain game time at Barrow Raiders, Balmain Tigers and Castleford Tigers.

Whilst with Castleford, Henderson would become a stalwart after making 115 appearances, registering 88 points in that time.

He would also have stints with Gateshead Thunder, a return to Barrow and a switch to Sheffield Eagles, where he would make 130 appearances.

After ending his playing career at London Broncos, Henderson would move into a Head Coach role for 92 matches.

He also had an assistant role with Warrington Wolves and a Head of Rugby position at Keighley Cougars, before joining the Knights in October 2022.

After taking charge of 48 matches, and finishing in the play-offs during the 2023 season, Henderson transitioned into the Head of Rugby role whilst working within the community.

Speaking on his new position, Henderson told the club website: “The club reached out to me recently to discuss a potential role focused on supporting, improving and developing areas within the club.

“I was impressed by the honest appraisal from the board, along with the energy, enthusiasm and ambition of the club.

“From my initial stand point, the club has potential to progress along with some exciting plans for the future which I hope they can see through.

“The role is on a consultancy basis and will fit around my full time role with York RLFC which will always take precedence.

“Hopefully during my time with NEAB, I can add some value by making small improvements in the areas required, so the club can improve, be successful and ultimately support a stronger community game in York.”

NEAB Chairman Liam Haxby also spoke on the news: “It is amazing to have someone like Andrew Henderson with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the game wanting to help us as a club to improve and grow.

“The club is in the process of putting together new ideas and plans, with Andrew being able to assess these and advise on how best to progress them in order to take NEAB forward.

“We are really excited that Andrew has accepted our offer of support and we look forward to what the future holds.”