January Signings Update
Director of Rugby Alan Robinson brings us up to date on new signings this January. As six new signings are added to the overall First team squad all of whom are locally based and have been training since November.
Jay Neath - Prop/Second row
Jay is a local forward who came through the Bears junior system and had a spell at Warrington Academy before playing some senior rugby league at local clubs Coventry Dragons and Birmingham Bulldogs. He impressed in preseason and is keen to test himself. He has real size and athleticism and is another local Midlands product so we were keen to give him an opportunity and I was really happy to see him back involved with ambition to play at this level.
Aaron Ryan - Prop/ Utility
Aaron comes from Dublin in Ireland and has represented Ireland Universities and played with the Dublin City Exiles he has also recently spent time at Coventry University and gained a scholarship there. He is a strong athlete and ball carrier and has the ability to hit hard in defence. I’m sure he will challenge the other forwards for positions and will be keen to make an impact when he gets an opportunity.
Doug Chirnside - Hooker/Half
Doug made a very good impression in training with his commitment and attitude. He is fit and disciplined and has fitted into the group and our new system very well. He has experience at University and club level with Oxford Brookes University and Oxford Cavaliers and has also represented Scotland at University level and is eager to step up to test himself at League One.
Darius Hamilton - Prop
Darius is from South Birmingham and has recently returned from overseas with the British Army. He has a lot of experience playing both League and Union in the Army and locally. His fitness and strength was clear to be seen and he made a big impact in our recent trial games versus London and Keighley. He is a real find and a very coach-able player I think he could be a real surprise package to opposition defences this year.
Liam Rice-Wilson - Utility Half
Liam has returned to the club after a year in Wales with West Wales Raiders. He is eager to progress and can slot in to various positions across the field. He fitted in well last time he was with us in 2018 and is a player with both skill and a running game which gives us extra versatility within the squad and greater depth in the halfback and hooker areas.
Jonni Allen - Wing/FB
Jonni impressed with his performances with Coventry University and is a strong and fit University player who can break tackles he is from Rochdale in Manchester and has grown up with the game. He is another young player who should prosper in our environment and I am very excited to see how he develops.
To sponsor any of our new players for £250 just drop us an email to: debbie.watson@coventrybears.co.uk