Coventry Rugby lock in three more core players

Coventry Rugby head coach Alex Rae has confirmed the identity of three more of the players who will make up his squad for next season.

Having spent two years building a culture and approach which has delivered successive top-three finishes Cov’s management team have sought to keep the core of their playing group together.

Top of this list is skipper Jordon Poole who signed a new deal to remain with the club he originally joined in 2020.

Poole has made 57 appearances since joining Cov from Exeter and this year finished as one of the Championship’s leading try-scorers with 11 touchdowns to his name.

When Cov went through a front-row injury crisis pre-Christmas he was one constant that remained, often playing 70-plus minutes during which he always led from the front.

The Yorkshire product then went on to produce a string of outstanding displays during Cov’s eight-match unbeaten run in the Spring.

Homegrown flanker Tom Ball is also part of Cov’s squad for the 2024/25 season.

Despite being only 22 the pacy back-rower has already passed the 50-appearance landmark for the Butts Park Arena club with an eye-catching 25 of these coming in an injury-free 2023/24 campaign.

Ball has become a key part of Cov’s pack, often jumping at the front of the lineout in addition to being one of the most prominent figures around the field.

Pacy winger Ryan Hutler got his Coventry career away to a try-a-game start during an Autumn period when his new club impressed in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Ryan Hutler - Photo credit - John Coles

Having worked with Rae previously at Bedford, Cov’s open running game has proved ideally suited to a player who is a natural try-scoring predator.

Helped by a hat-trick against his former club Hutler has registered 17 tries in 23 competitive appearances for the blue-and-whites.

Rae is extremely pleased that all three players will continue to be part of the set-up.

“I’m delighted to have Jordon with us again next season,” he said. “Not only is he a fantastic player he’s also a brilliant person who cares deeply for the team and is very invested in what we’re trying to build here.

“Jordon leads by example every day and inspires others around him with his actions. The exciting thing is he’s only going to keep getting better so we feel very lucky to have him.

Jordon Poole - Photo credit - John Coles

“Tom is terrific person who has really grown this season. His performances are getting better and better and he’s got a lot more room for growth - I don’t think we know what his ceiling is yet.

“It’s been fantastic to see Ryan with a smile on his face scoring tries this season. He’s a natural try scorer and is brilliant around the group as a person; I’ve no doubt there’s more to come from him too.”

More announcements will follow regarding the make-up of the 2024/25 squad.

Tickets for Coventry’s 150th anniversary game against England U20’s on Saturday May 25th are available from: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/matchday-tickets/ or on the gate on the day.