By Tom Little.
February 11 2013

Coventry Rugby are pleased to announce the signing of two Coventry RFC and Henley College Development Squad players to their senior squad. Prop forward Josh McNulty and back row forward Michael Ryan have now signed for their home team club.

A sign of the burgeoning influence and importance to the future of Coventry Rugby comes from the signing of these Academy players. Both players recently turned out for the Coventry Nighthawks side as they beat the Army 31-19, as well as both being members of the Warwickshire U20’s team, as well as attending the final England U19 Colleges trial.

Both Josh and Michael as well as a number of the other Academy players have recently been involved in training with the full Coventry squad.

Josh McNulty, aged 18 is a prop forward able to play either side. Born in Coventry, Josh attended the Woodlands School and is currently a member of the Coventry RFC Academy as well as previously attached to Barker Butts. Pre-season Josh trained with Coventry Rugby and indeed played in some of the pre-season games. He has come on a pace since and has been selected for the final trial of the England U19’s Colleges team. Last season Josh was awarded the accolade of being the Academy Player of the Season. Josh is looking forward to being part of his home team club and making his mark in the team.

Michael Ryan, aged 19, born in Wales, now a resident of Coventry, but again another member from The Woodlands School rugby conveyer belt. A back row forward Michael prefers the No 8 position and has recently turned out for the Coventry Nighthawks in their win over the Army. As with Josh, Michael is a current member of the Coventry RFC Academy as well as previously attached to Barker Butts, and another who has attended the final England U19’s Colleges trial. Last season Michael was designated Coventry Academy most Improved Player of the Season. Michael looks forward to getting some game time in as soon as possible.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

Tuesday 12^th February 2013

Coventry Rugby boosted by their Academy players.

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 11/02/2013 19:09

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
11/02/2013 19:09

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Roger Fox
12/02/2013 15:33

Let's hope we keep them for more than a season.

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Kimbo
12/02/2013 19:24

Being slightly less cynical(?). Hearty congrats to both these lads, and to Glacks and the Woodlands 'machine'.

This is how a community club should be.

Great stuff.

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covkid53
12/02/2013 21:21

Dont forget the massive support at Henley, these lads are being coached and more importantly for their future, educated. The savvy among them can go on to study at HND level giving them access to a choice of uni's to complete their degree's. What a great opportunity to play academy and college rugby while studying..... I think it is great and the way forward. Well done Glacs and Henley for giving these young guys a future inside and outside rugby.

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Roger Fox
13/02/2013 19:53

I've said it before but, just for the record, we should be proud of the Academy for the way they have brought on these very young and promising lads and that Peter has done a fine job. Just that sinking feeling that people just down the road are keeping an eye on them.

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zinzanh
13/02/2013 20:13

Have faith Rog.

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Kimbo
14/02/2013 10:08

I know exactly what you're saying RF, and it's always at the back of my mind too, but, I always seem to want to be optimistic. Pessimism may not hurt so much initially, but it can sure make one bitter if taken in excess.

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Ashley_T
28/02/2013 12:05

and the good news continues.....(from yesterday)

Moulton College - 10

Coventry/Henley Academy - 33

Keep that conveyor belt running !!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:02:28:19:21:10 by Ashley_T.

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bigm/ mark harrison.
28/02/2013 13:17

so once they have done their courses at henley, how do we keep them within the system

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