Moving to the UK
Powerhouse prop Rory Leidekkers and his lovely wife Anche are enjoying life in Northwich so much that when their five year visa expires, they wish to take out British Citizenship and stay in their adopted country.

They were granted a five year visa on the basis that Rory’s grandmother hailed from Kent.

Both arrived earlier this year and quickly settled into the way of life in the Northern Hemisphere, Rory finding a job as a Financial Planner at CS Financial Planning in Winnington whilst Anche settled quickly into her employment at Exchequer Solutions based in Chester.

They previously resided at Vanderbijl Park, near Johannesburg, in South Africa, and on their departure felt nervous and apprehensive about what awaited them in Northwich but any trepidations were quickly dispelled as Rory explained “We were both made very welcomed immediately on our arrival and made moving to Northwich so much easier”.

“All the lads down at the club made me feel part of the squad and I have made friends for life.”

“Anche has also made many friends, mainly through work but down at the club as well”.

Rugby background
As a schoolboy, Rory was sent to a Boarding School at Kimberley, a world renowned diamond mining town. It is whilst Rory was residing in Kimberley that he started rugby and represented the Provisional Rugby U 18’s side, starting out as a hooker before switching to tighthead prop.

After leaving school, Rory attended NWU Potchefstroom University in Johannesburg, again representing the University rugby team as prop.

Rory aged only 22 has played for the Leopards at U19 level in the Currie Cup, and had a challenging first season of National Level 5 rugby with Northwich.

Family
Rory has followed his mum, Lesley to England but she resides in Kent where some of her mother’s relatives live and she is currently a care worker. Rory’s dad, Mark, still resides in South Africa but is intending joining up with his son in Northwich and to be re-united with Lesley.

Rory has a sibling called Bradley who is a teacher working in Pretoria but he has no plans yet to join up with the rest of the family. Bradley is a lock come No.8 and a pretty good rugby player according to Rory.

We hope Rory and Anche continue to enjoy their stay in Northwich and that Rory has a long career at Northwich Rugby Club.

Have you relocated to the area with an interest in playing rugby at the highest level in Mid Cheshire - contact Northwich RUFC we train Tuesday and Thursday at Moss Farm Firdale road CW8 4BH, 7pm – 8.30pm.