Championship 2024/25 signings and retentions
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Category: League Rugby - www.leaguerugby.co.uk
Forum Name: The Championship
Forum Description: Discuss the 12 clubs forming the English Championship.
URL: http://www.leaguerugby.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=20300
Printed Date: 15 Nov 2024 at 08:53
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Topic: Championship 2024/25 signings and retentions
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Subject: Championship 2024/25 signings and retentions
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2024 at 17:33
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Could this be pinned please Knights have started early this year, announcing the retention of Alex Dolly scrum half Ollie Fox scrum half Connor Edwards centre Russell Bennett fly half Also the signing of a new forwards coach Darren Fearn
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Replies:
Posted By: fatbear
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2024 at 19:21
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Chinnor have announced that Grant Hughes has signed on for another season |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2024 at 20:11
Only if ‘retentions’ is typed correctly…
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KnightsBoy wrote:Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2024 at 09:13
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Posted By: Nat1
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2024 at 10:18
He's a good threat in the back line and I'm sure Nick Easter will be getting several others signed up for next season ASAP too. The D/R George Worboys from Bath, Alan Walker, Max Clementson and Morgan Passman have been the key players this season, and all experienced at playing at Prem or Champ level. With the squad they already have, they'd beat Cambridge, Caldy and Scottish tomorrow. I see them causing more than a few upsets next season.
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Posted By: Bluesman11
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2024 at 15:53
They finished below Cambridge last season, who have so far only won 2 matches in the Championship. I’m sure they’ll win a few games but I think every year the gap between the Champ and Nat 1 is underestimated. ------------- Championship Prediction League Winner 11/12 |
Posted By: Nat1
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2024 at 20:59
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There is a gap indeed, as you'd expect with fully and semi prob clubs in one league. However, unlike Chinnor, neither Cambridge nor Caldy before them were regularly putting 40 - 80 points on their Nat 1 counterparts before getting promoted. A good barometer to go by, especially as the standard in Nat 1 has improved year on year of late. On Cambridge, they narrowly achieved promotion ahead of Rams last year based on having drawn a game more, and I agree they have failed to kick on, whereas Caldy seem to blow hot and cold. With relegation returning to the Champ next season, I'd expect Chinnor to be the club surviving out of the 'three C's'. Time will tell.
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Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2024 at 22:07
Are you sure N1? Isn’t there an indication the 25/26 Champ will have 14 clubs? In which case they might arrive at 14 by not bringing back relegation & simply adding top 2 from Nat 1 in a year’s time?
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Posted By: Nat1
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2024 at 22:24
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You're quite right islander, think I was getting ahead of myself! I suppose it'll depend on whether the 25-26' Champ season is made up of 12, 14 or 16 clubs, which like you say is still TBC. Perhaps after the next meeting in June we'll have an answer to that question.
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Posted By: maire23
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2024 at 00:17
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Just returning to the topic- over this last week or so Nottingham have announced the retention of Marcus Ramage (centre) David Williams (wing) Nathan Tweedy (back row) Kai Owen (loosehead prop) Sam Green (Lock/back row)
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Posted By: Raider999
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2024 at 18:41
Increasing to 14 will probably be achieved by reviving 2 of Wasps/Worcester/London Irish ------------- RAID ON |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2024 at 22:04
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And... we're back off topic. Nice try Maire. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2024 at 15:57
| Mal Holden and Harry Davey both staying at the knights for next season |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 13:39
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Tom Doughty signs for Bristol from Donny
So it would appear that as a development league the championship does produce players for the prem Also noticed in the same BBC report Steele Barker from the pirates and Sam Edwards who has enjoyed some time at Cambridge have also gone to Bristol
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Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 16:13
| Paddy Ryan leaving Coventry to go to Major League Rugby. Cov have been very quiet on resigning players which is a big switch from last year |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 16:57
Paddy's leaving was announced in March (and in the '23/'24 thread on here). I imagine the lack of inbound news - seemingly most Champ sides the same - is indicative of the general nervousness caused by the game's governing body's abject inability to be a governing body. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: cheshire exile
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 17:33
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All Pirates players are on one-year contracts. Local boy Steele Barker off to Bristol in more proof that the Championship does not develop players.
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Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 17:55
| Sorry Kimbo, new to the forum and hadn’t realised it was on another thread. Your probably right, the usual uncertainties |
Posted By: Redted
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 20:43
Local boy? Local to Yorkshire perhaps. But good like to Steele, great lad.
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Posted By: cheshire exile
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 21:11
| Definition of local? He’s played for 3 Cornish clubs I believe. |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 21:20
Born in York, part of Leeds academy before studying at Exeter.
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 21:40
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We're going to claim Pat Pellegrini as a Cov Kid when he's inevitably poached... ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Redted
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2024 at 22:07
Exactly
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Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2024 at 07:07
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Either way well done to him, and the clubs who contributed to his development, to get him a chance at top flight rugby. ------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2024 at 13:09
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Hooker George Roberts staying with Donny for another season. Billy McBride leaving after 4 years at castle park
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Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 01 May 2024 at 10:33
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Ben Murphy signed for another year Fyn Brown signed by Northampton Saints
------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 09 May 2024 at 21:06
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Dafydd-Rhys Tiueti from Nottingham to Cov from 1st July. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: *Stalwart
Date Posted: 09 May 2024 at 21:20
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Pirates have announced four players who are retiring. Props Marlen Walker and Jack Andrew, second row Will Britten and wing/fullback Kyle Moyle. ------------- *Stalwart |
Posted By: maire23
Date Posted: 09 May 2024 at 22:13
That will be a loss for us, but with David Williams, Harry Graham and the Olowofela twins re-signing he’s not going to get the game time he deserves. Great signing for Cov.
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Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 09 May 2024 at 22:26
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A few players here who have played in the Championship leaving Saints. |
Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 13 May 2024 at 12:34
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Knights sign Joe Jones Loose Head Prop from Sale, played for us previously before going to France (Perpignan) then Sale
------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 13 May 2024 at 12:34
| Didn't know about his french trip |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 13 May 2024 at 16:37
Did you know about his Cov trip(s). Good signing. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 13 May 2024 at 20:51
You had him on loan Kimbo
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 14 May 2024 at 11:12
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I know... ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 14 May 2024 at 11:53
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He's been released by Scarlets hasn't he? Their pack has been awful for a few years now.
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Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 14 May 2024 at 12:04
Jordan Olowofela signs for the knights
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Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 14 May 2024 at 12:29
Signed for Scarlets in November, he has certainly been around the block a few times |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 14 May 2024 at 13:48
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Yes, was on loan (his second spell at Cov after an earlier short spell as a contracted signing) from Sale at the time. Think he only managed one appearance while on loan though, which was a shame, as I thought him pretty decent.
------------- Our Club |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 15 May 2024 at 12:14
| Fred Davies signs for Donny from Bristol |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 01:42
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I see that Newcastle have lost / trimmed 15 players. I wonder how many will end up in the Championship? Josh Barton, Phil Brantingham, Sam Clark, Sam Cross, Mark Dormer, Rory Jennings, Louie Johnson, Charlie Maddison, Matias Moroni, Guy Pepper, Vereimi Qorowale, Iwan Stephens, Josh Thomas, Michael van Vuuren and George Wacokecoke are all departing. ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 08:09
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Barton and Jennings both played for Cov. Not sure they'd be an improvement on Venner (assuming he stays) or Pellegrini (assuming ditto). ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 08:11
Bringing his Parrotface? ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 08:23
Pepper definitely would be an upgrade. Van Vuuren underwhelmed at Ealing.
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Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 08:29
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Pepper signed for Bath Stephens for Cardiff. Going to be an interesting summer with lots of players moving.
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Posted By: knightandday
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 08:31
You really are old Kimbo.  ------------- Winning isn't everything, it just makes the beer taste better |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 08:58
Brantingham signed for Sarries
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Posted By: DGS Old Boy
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 10:32
Louie Johnson, signed for Sarries, Guy Pepper signed for Bath, I think a few of the others have allready signed for someone as well but am not sure.
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Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 10:36
| Pat Pellegrini staying with Coventry next season |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 11:05
I know... ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 11:06
Just saw that. Great news. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: TAS63
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 12:13
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Tom Cruse, ex of Rotherham, LI, Wasps and Northampton, is joining Bedford as full time Forwards Coach. Good to see a player who came through the Championship returning to give something back and to learn / improve new skills. Video interview with him on the Blues social media.
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Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 12:50
| Morgan Bunting signs for Donny from Nottingham |
Posted By: Bluesman11
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 12:52
Slightly surprised no Prem team has taken a punt on him, could definitely play at a higher level. I would even go so far to say that he’s probably the best player in the division. Great retention by Cov and him and Venner will be the halfback pairing to envy next year. ------------- Championship Prediction League Winner 11/12 |
Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 16 May 2024 at 13:39
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Cov, Donny and Bedford keeping us busy today. Good job we’ve all got nothing better to do Matt Kvesic staying for next season at Coventry
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Posted By: NeverbeentoChinnor
Date Posted: 17 May 2024 at 08:47
| Centre partnership (Bourts and Passman) in Nat 1 team of the year have both re-signed for Chinnor in 2024/25. |
Posted By: Nat1
Date Posted: 17 May 2024 at 09:48
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A solid (quite literally) midfield partnership there. Will be interesting to see if Passman continues to run through his opposite numbers with as much ease in the league above. Any word on Worboys yet? A stand out standoff for sure, but I wonder if Bath have/will call him back for next season.
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Posted By: Runitback
Date Posted: 17 May 2024 at 09:56
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Worboys to Ealing Yates from DMP to Ealing ------------- Run with it |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 17 May 2024 at 10:34
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Have Ealing announced a list of releases yet? Given the amount of time Lloyd Williams spent watching Cardiff this season, I wouldn't be surprised to see him return.
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Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 17 May 2024 at 14:10
| Thom Smith signs on for Donny again |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 17 May 2024 at 14:46
Marlen Walker announced as an academy forwards coach for Ealing.
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Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 17 May 2024 at 16:09
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Archie Smeaton re-signs for Donny |
Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 17 May 2024 at 16:30
| James Tyas, Tom Ball, Ryan Hutler and Jordan Poole all continuing with Coventry next season |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 10:28
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Luke Daniels,fullback leaving Ealing at the end of the season. In reality, I believe he actually hung up his boots around Christmas time. Well over 100 appearances over a couple of stays. Very good kicker, but couldn't force his way into the regular line up this season.
Jordan Burns, scrum half, leaving Ealing. Rumour is that he is going to Blackheath in Nat1. He is one of my all-time favorite Ealing players. A really nice guy off the pitch, and a game-changer on it. Surprised no Champ club would want him. Still lightning fast.
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 11:35
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Lance Bombardier Nayalo re-signs for Cov after a successful Army Rugby campaign. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Bluesman11
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 12:27
Would take Burns back at Bedford in a heartbeat. ------------- Championship Prediction League Winner 11/12 |
Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 13:04
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Brendan Owen (Bath / Jersey) signs for Doncaster Knights ------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: maire23
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 13:40
| Josh Poullet leaving Nottingham. Josh made 134 appearances for Nottingham and has been with us a long time. He will be missed! |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 14:33
| Two more departures announced at Ealing in the last couple of hours. Pat Howard and James Cordy-Redden both off at the end of the year. Great servants of the club. JCR retiring, he actually was convinced to stay on this year, but couldn't be convinced to do another. |
Posted By: Bluesman11
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 17:45
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Bedford announce the following departures: Jordan Onojaife - 2nd row - Retired Jacob Fields - Hooker - Retired Louis Grimoldby - Fly Half - Cambridge (rumoured) Robin Williams - 2nd row - Unknown Kieran Curran - Back row - Unknown Jordan Venter - Centre - Unknown Not sure if this announcement implies everyone else is being retained (would be delighted with this). All of these are squad players, although still surprised about Louis. I’m more surprised club legend and testimonial year player Pat Tapley isn’t on this list given he has played a grand total of 0 minutes this season. Dean Adamson is due a testimonial next year but believe he is pushing back a year to do it in his 11th season to match his shirt number. It’s also likely the season he’ll become our leading try scorer and the top championship try scorer of all time. He’s currently 2nd in both. ------------- Championship Prediction League Winner 11/12 |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 18:24
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Cov retain hooker Suva Ma'asi and lock Obinna Nkwocha. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 19:04
| Very happy to see more of Nkwocha. Improved with every appearance |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 19:23
He looks a good player
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Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 19:29
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List of 23/24 Ealing Trailfinders Leavers: Rhys Anstey Jordan Burns James Cordy-Redden Luke Daniels Andrew Davidson Harry Dugmore Tom Georgiou James Gibbons Josh Gillespie Will Goodrick-Clarke Richard Hardwick Tom HitchHuckleberry Dan HisHuckleberrys Jonah Holmes Pat Howard Ross Kane Cian Kelleher Dan Lancaster Simon Linsell Kevin O'Byrne David O'Connor Jimmy Roots Steven Shingler |
Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 20:18
I heard Curran to Australia - still think he had the ability to be in the dream team but didn’t live up to it. Williams to Japan
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Posted By: The Blues
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 20:19
Just 1 squad gone
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Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 21:04
| Some fine players on that list. Anstey and HitchHuckleberry were very solid for Coventry |
Posted By: cheshire exile
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 21:16
Depends on whether he would move out of London, maybe.
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Posted By: cheshire exile
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 21:16
Is Burns maybe not prepared to move beyond the M25?
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 20 May 2024 at 22:44
Who? ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: cheshire exile
Date Posted: 21 May 2024 at 10:44
Quoted the wrong post, sorry; I was referring to Burns. Couldn’t delete the post
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 21 May 2024 at 11:40
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Ah, fair enough. Confused me! ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 21 May 2024 at 16:53
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Top try scorer Jimmy Martin, plus loosehead Toby Trinder, both renew with Cov. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: maire23
Date Posted: 21 May 2024 at 19:33
| Michael Stronge, scrum half, leaving Nottingham. Gutted. Strongey is a class player and whoever gets him is getting a top notch player. |
Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 10:37
Have been impressed with him when he’s been up against Cov this season. Totally agree whoever signs him has added a very good player to their squad
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 10:42
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Cov leavers: Will Wand, Ollie Andrews, Jack Bartlett, Ollie Betteridge, Will Chudley, Louis James, Leo Jowett, Evan Mitchell, Adam Nicol, Paddy Ryan, Harry Stone and Tobi Wilson Trialist Toby Venner also moves on. There's at least one going to the Prem (Wand), and several sideways moves, and one retirement (Chudley). ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: gerg_861
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 10:43
I suspect Ealing is signing him, based on a tweet this morning.
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Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 10:43
| Sizeable shopping list for Coventry this summer to fill the gaps |
Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 10:47
No shock for me that Wand moves to the Prem. Shame we couldn’t keep hold of Nicol and Wilson, though i would expect them to move up as well or Nicol moves back up to Scotland
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 11:03
Strong rumours they both go to Ealing - but nothing confirmed. ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: maire23
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 12:02
I have a feeling you might be right based on a joke someone made at the Nottingham awards night on Friday… Edit- just announced.
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Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 12:03
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I remember when Will was playing for the Cambridge 2nd team. Mind you, he quickly forced his way into our first XV, and then onwards and upwards. Well done. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: castleparknight
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 13:08
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Corey Teague signs for Doncaster ------------- Onward and Upwards C'mon Donny! |
Posted By: *Stalwart
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 13:12
Sorry to see him go from Pirates (dual reg with Exeter). he's been very unlucky with injuries this season, so hasn't figured much. But he's a fine player and great bloke. ------------- *Stalwart |
Posted By: EvPiece
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 13:59
Well i guess we’re about to find out as Josh Barton has rejoined Coventry
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Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 15:10
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Jonah Holmes to London Scottish (according to walesonline) Also starting out as a chartered surveyor.
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 17:05
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Back row Aaron Hinckley joins Cov - as does inside half Josh Barton, returning from Newcastle, as reported above ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 17:07
I guess so - but at least Pelly is staying! ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 19:14
Hinckley is very good. Seems to fall out with coaches. Hopefully that is something he can grow out of.
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Posted By: Bluesman11
Date Posted: 22 May 2024 at 19:25
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Surprised Venner isn’t staying at Cov. The best 9 in the league when fit. ------------- Championship Prediction League Winner 11/12 |