Coventry have just added 'some serious Saracens bulk' to their pack

Ambitious Championship club Coventry have followed Monday’s recruitment of ex-England back-rower Matt Kvesic by securing the services of Saracens lock Obinna Nkwocha for the new season.

Alex Rae’s team are looking to build on their 2022/23 third-place finish behind champions Jersey and the heft that will be added to their engine room by the promising youngster should stand them in good stead.

A statement read: “Second row forward Obinna Nkwocha will join Coventry from Gallagher Premiership finalists Saracens ahead of the 2023/24 season.

"The 20-year-old Saracens academy product appeared in the Premiership Rugby Cup in addition to making loan appearances at Bedford and Ampthill during the course of last season.

“At 6ft 6ins and nearly 19 stone, Nkwocha adds some serious bulk to a Coventry pack that played a big part in an outstanding 2022/23 campaign. This culminated in the club claiming third place in the RFU Championship.

“Nkwocha first played rugby at Brentwood school as a teenager before becoming part of Saracens’ junior academy. The second row then moved to Felsted school, where he was selected to play for England U18s against Scotland.

“In June 2021, Nkwocha was offered a contract by Saracens immediately after leaving school and two years later he now joins Coventry directly from the North London club’s senior academy.”

Head coach Rae said: “It’s great to welcome Obinna. He is a young man with bags of potential and promise; he has got some really good attributes to work with and we are excited to help him fulfil his potential.”

Nkwocha added: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join Coventry. I’m looking forward to working with the team and seeing how I can develop my game.”