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Coventry sign dual qualified ex-Wasps centre Tommy Matthews
By Paul Smith
Coventry Rugby have added an exciting new face to their squad with the signing of Tommy Mathews from RFU Championship rivals Hartpury.
The 23-year-old who will hook up with his new club when pre-season commences in early July is able to play at fly half and centre.
According to head coach Alex Rae, Cov’s latest acquisition will add useful skills to the squad.
“Tommy is a young man who’s a really talented footballer but also has a great kicking game,” he said.
“He’s got plenty of experience at a young age and are really excited to see the further development and growth in his game which will be possible in our environment.”
Former Hartpury student Mathews has the unusual distinction of representing Wales as an under-18 through his Welsh father before going on to play for England during their 2021 under-20s campaign.
His early rugby was played at Petersfield RFC then as part of Gloucester’s junior academy before a stint in Northampton’s senior academy saw him feature in the Championship during loan spells with Bedford Blues, Ampthill and Nottingham.
After a short-term deal as injury cover at Wasps allowed Mathews to play in both the Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership, the Hampshire product returned to Gloucestershire with Hartpury prior to the start of the 2022/23 season.
Since then he has combined studying for the first two years of a degree in strength and conditioning with taking his career senior appearance total into the 80s.
Mathews said he has been drawn to the Butts Park Arena by his new club’s clear ambition.
“The signings Coventry have made this year are very exciting and being part of that is something I’m really looking forward to,” he said.
“They clearly have aspirations to win the Championship and the chance to work alongside their coaching team in that environment is something I couldn’t turn down.”
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Latest Comments
I agree.
I’d like to know what constitutes a 208 week ban though?
Must the eyeball be dislodged? Hanging by a vein?
Go to commentsAlso a Bristol fan and echo your sentiments.
I love watching Bristol but their approach will only get them so far I think. Exeter played like this when they first got promoted to the prem and had intermittent success, it wasn't until they wised up and played a more balanced game that they became a consistently top side.
I really want Bristol to continue playing this brand of rugby and I don't mind them running it from under their posts but I don't think they need to do it every single time. They need to be just a little bit more selective about when and where on the pitch they play. Every game they put themselves under so much needless pressure by turning the ball over under their posts trying to do kamikaze moves when it's not required. By all means run it from your goal line if there is a chance for a counter attack, we all want to see Bristol running in 100m tries from under their posts but I think until they learn to do it and when to be pragmatic, they are unlikely to win the premiership.
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