By Tom Little.
July 11 2012

Coventry Rugby have today announced three more new signings for the coming season this time in the engine room of the front row.  Two of the signings have been playing abroad with prop forward Bronson Ross coming in from Spain and  hooker  Greg Sammons  from Italy.  The other signing is prop forward Nico Steenkamp, who comes in from Championship side Bedford Blues.  

With last seasons ever present prop Adam Parkins being sent by Northampton Saints to play for Championship side Moseley.  Coventry’s Rugby director Phil Maynard has acted quickly to bring in experience in this vital area and with the news that Rob Dugard has also signed a two year contract as has Nico, Coventry feel that they have an impressive strength in depth in the front row.

Bronson Ross aged 26, is mainly a tight head prop, although also able to play hooker.  Born in Oamaru, South Island, New Zealand with an Irish passport he played for Marist Dunedin in New Zealand, and spent a couple of seasons at Scottish Premiership side Boroughmuir.  Bronson has recently been playing for Spanish side Guernica and now relishes the chance to come to English Rugby to assist the ambitious Coventry club to meet their potential.  He has been impressed with the professionalism and set up at the Coventry club, and welcomes his full time chance.

Greg Sammons, hooker aged 24, comes in from Italian Premiership side Mogliano, where he has playing for the past 2 seasons.  After attending Rugby School Greg was attached to Leicester Academy and then was signed by Leicester, spending time on loan at Championship sides Nottingham and Bedford.  He moved to Birmingham Solihull (Bees) whilst they were still in the Championship and following their relegation moved onto Italy.

Knowing Phil Maynard Greg is excited at the chance to come back to English Rugby with Coventry’s ambitions providing him with a good opportunity.  He feels that with the squad being assembled Coventry have a promising future.

Nico Steenkamp aged 27 moves from Championship side Bedford Blues.  Born in Klerskdorp in South Africa, Nico  started his UK career playing for Peterborough, he then moved to Championship side Rotherham in season 2010/11 playing 14 games.  He moved last season 2011/12 to Bedford playing 18 games.  Although mainly a loosehead prop forward Nico is versatile enough to cover tighthead as well as hooker.

Prominent  in both the scrum and around the field with soft hands and preferring to move with ball in hand  Nico will add an extra dimension to an already impressive front row. As part of the Coventry club’s desire to be more consistent on the field and look to the future Nico is another player who has  signed a two contract.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

12^th July 2012

Front row beefed up for Coventry Rugby.

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 11/07/2012 22:42

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
11/07/2012 22:42

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Cov Schools
11/07/2012 22:45

Greg Sammons was a back row when he played for Warks Schools. Moved further forward as he has got older.... But is athletic, skilful, a hard-worker, and aggressive (in the right way). Good to see him at Cov.

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ajc118
11/07/2012 23:04

Is that hooker that came from rosslyn park still at the club?

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Kimbo
12/07/2012 08:56

Welcome to all the new lads. I'm particularly pleased to see contracted players in the front row; this has to be the way. The potential for losing a relied-on front rower to the parent club at short notice is only too obvious and could compromise the club far too much for my liking.
As much as we all(?) liked and appreciated 'the oldest 22 year old in rugby', he was always going to be moving on and up, and I'd like to give him my best wishes for the rest of his career wherever it may take him (all the way, I hope).
However, I'm no fan of dual-reg/season loans/whatever you call them, and in the long term I think they are going to do too much damage to the lower-league clubs involved.
I applaud Cov's policy of signing up players on contracts. Control of your own players - particularly in such vital positions - is key.
Great news.
(Oh, by the way, does the 'full time' comment in the release actually mean that? Step away from current policy if so?).

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Bono546
12/07/2012 09:51

I agree with Kimbo dual registration puts a lot of stress on the squad at usually the time you can ill afford it (injuries being the main problem last year). Without doubt, in my opinion, PM is bringing in some very useful players according to their CV's and I hope they gel together as a team to give us supporters a season to remember.I wish the local press would make more of all these signings to swell the crowd. If you can get people down to watch one game and they feel the friendly approach of all the supporters who already go down they will come back time and time again. (I am speaking from experience having seen my first Cov game the season before relegation from the Championship and having had a season ticket for the last 3 years as does my wife). The after match entertainment is also something I enjoy and should, if it continues next year, be advertised far more.<

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rustyroof
12/07/2012 10:29

I don't really agree with the criticism of the DR arrangement; we got pretty much 2 full seasons from Adam Parkins, with a full season each from a couple of other talented young props. They contributed more than many regular contracted players. At this level, talented young players are always likely to move onwards and upwards, whether they be DR or on a regular contract like Mather and Stevens.

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Street
12/07/2012 13:09

Greg Sammons is a very good player and a local Warwickshire lad as a bonus.

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tonker
12/07/2012 15:28

these look promising signings. just need another second row or two, a few fit wingers and to generate a good team spirit and positive game plan before sepember!
cant wait for the new season

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Coventry Steve
12/07/2012 22:11

Yep, Great news to see that we are signing experienced players, i can't wait for the new season ahead.
COME ON COV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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redisni183
12/07/2012 22:31

Duel Registerered players usually come very cheap or free as their Clubs want them to gain valuable Playing experience. The monies saved on them can then be utilised on other players within Coventry's squad, beneficial to all parties involved including the Player. It is then up to the DOR to juggle his squad for if they are recalled, that is what he is paid to do!

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