Coventry sign ex-England U20 man Aaron Hinkley a year after shock exit

Coventry have announced the signing of former England U20 flanker Aaron Hinkley.

The 25-year-old will move to Butts Park just over a year after his shock departure from Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership.

The back row had made 19 appearances for the Saints before leaving the club by mutual consent in March 2023.

Hinkley began his rugby career in Gloucester’s academy set-up in 2017 before moving to Exeter Chiefs three years later, and then to the Saints in 2022.

This will mark Hinkley's return to Coventry after a six-match loan spell with the Championship club in the 2021/22 season while with the Chiefs.

“I really bought into Alex and James Scaysbrook and what they were trying to achieve when I spent some time in Cov on loan from Exeter,” Hinkley said after the move was announced.

“Now I’m trying to get back into rugby I immediately thought of Coventry because everyone at the club treated me so well when I was there before.

“I especially remember what a great place the Butts Park Arena is. We played Bedford and won by one or two points in a match that finished with something like 12 against 13 at the end and it was a brilliant atmosphere.

“Firstly, there is no doubt in my mind that I would love to be part of a squad that wins the league.

“On a personal level I’m looking forward to getting back to playing regular rugby and enjoying it.”

Coventry head coach Alex Rae added: “Aaron is a huge talent and ours and his job now is to help him realise that potential.

“When meeting with him the thing that stood out was his enthusiasm and desire to really work hard and kick on.

“He’s got a really good connection with people at the club and were confident we can give him the support and environment to play his best rugby.”