Coventry Rugby lock down three more core players

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

After spending two years building a culture and approach that delivered back-to-back top-three finishes, Cov’s leadership team looked to keep the core of their playing group together.

Topping that list is skipper Jordon Poole, who has signed a new deal to stay at 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 league’s top scorers with 11 touchdowns to his name.

When Cov went through an injury crisis in the front row before Christmas, he was a constant who remained, often playing over 70 minutes where he always led from the front.

The Yorkshire product continued to produce a string of outstanding displays during Cov’s eight-match unbeaten run in the spring.

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

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

Ball has become an essential part of Cov’s pack, often jumping to the front of the line-up in addition to being one of the most prominent figures on the pitch.

Pacy winger Ryan Hutler got his Coventry career off to a trying start to an autumn spell as his new club impressed in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

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

Aided by a hat-trick against his former club, Hutler has scored 17 tries in 23 competitive appearances for the Blues.

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

“I’m delighted to have Jordon back with us next season,” he said. “Not only is he a fantastic player, he’s also a brilliant person who cares deeply about 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 that he will continue to improve, so we feel very lucky to have him.

“Tom is an amazing person who has really grown this season. His performances keep getting better and he has a lot more room to grow – 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 is a natural try scorer and is brilliant around the group as a person; I have no doubt that more will come from him.”

More announcements will follow regarding the composition of the 2024/25 squad.

Tickets for Coventry’s 150th anniversary match against England U20s on Saturday 25th May are available from: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/matchday-tickets/ or on the gate on that day.