Coventry
Three more premiership academy players to Coventry Rugby.
By Tom Little.
September 10 2013
Coventry Rugby are pleased to confirm the signing of three more Premiership Academy players on a dual registered loan basis.
Danny Hobbs-Owoyemi, prop forward is retained, being at Coventry Rugby last season from Northampton Academy; together with Howard Packman also from Northampton Academy along with Worcester Academy back row forward Andy Boyce. These signings bring the Coventry Rugby squad up to 39, including 21 retained players and 18 new signings.
Danny Hobbs, aged 19 is retained after playing last season for Coventry Rugby where he made 2 replacement appearances. Danny a loose-head prop was in the successful England U 20’s team that won the Junior World Championship beating New Zealand in the final earlier this season.
Andy Boyce, aged 18 is in his first season with Worcester Academy. Born in Worcester Andy is an all action flanker playing mainly at No 7 and looks forward to getting as much game time as possible.
Howard Packman, aged 18 is in his first season with Northampton Academy. He is able to play anywhere in the back three. Howard prefers the full-back position.
There is a continuing growing relationship between both Premiership sides, Worcester Warriors and Northampton Saints, and more dual registered players are expected in the future.
Tom Little
Coventry Rugby press office
10th September 2013
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Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 10/09/2013 10:21
10/09/2013 10:21
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These seem to be good signings as long as they are called on in emergencies, not a fan of loan signings playing week in and week out as they take the place of a permanent player.
It also explains their presence on the team photo. :-)
It also explains their presence on the team photo. :-)
This is becoming daft.
Whilst I understand the concept of adequate cover, having essentially three players for each position means arithmetically that at any time 66% of the squad will not and cannot be playing.
Notwithstanding the cost implication, I do not readily understand how the management will keep all (39 + extras -15) motivated, keen and eager?
A small, tight knit squad with loan players to call on if required must be a more sensible way forward? Competition for places is great, but managing that number of individuals must be a nightmare.
Having looked at their website even Manchester United only have 41 players in their squad, but I do concede that the maths are different; only 11 players can be on the pitch at any one time rather than Coventry's 15.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:09:11:08:00:46 by r hess.
Whilst I understand the concept of adequate cover, having essentially three players for each position means arithmetically that at any time 66% of the squad will not and cannot be playing.
Notwithstanding the cost implication, I do not readily understand how the management will keep all (39 + extras -15) motivated, keen and eager?
A small, tight knit squad with loan players to call on if required must be a more sensible way forward? Competition for places is great, but managing that number of individuals must be a nightmare.
Having looked at their website even Manchester United only have 41 players in their squad, but I do concede that the maths are different; only 11 players can be on the pitch at any one time rather than Coventry's 15.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:09:11:08:00:46 by r hess.
I do agree that the squad does seem to be a bit large now, especially considering Scott's comments regarding a smaller squad size a week or so ago.
I made the point because it seems fundamental to me.
If Coventry are to run 2 sides then Ok, but.
If like last season there was only one side, there is a very real risk of alienation. Last season, there were some very good players (on paper) that were completely alienated because they didn't get to play on a regular basis. They have now left, some more publicly than others.
Consequently, I would ask the coaches to consider how this problem is to be resolved. Otherwise, for the 15 selected there will be 30+ players completely demotivated, who will leave at the end of season if they have an ounce of ambition. Short term gain perhaps, long term - stupid.
If Coventry are to run 2 sides then Ok, but.
If like last season there was only one side, there is a very real risk of alienation. Last season, there were some very good players (on paper) that were completely alienated because they didn't get to play on a regular basis. They have now left, some more publicly than others.
Consequently, I would ask the coaches to consider how this problem is to be resolved. Otherwise, for the 15 selected there will be 30+ players completely demotivated, who will leave at the end of season if they have an ounce of ambition. Short term gain perhaps, long term - stupid.
To be brutally honest, we also need to think beyond the influx of elderly Welsh players coming to the end of their undoubtedley illustrious careers.
I have no problem in their engagement if we recognise this for what it is, but we must, must, must back up their engagement with a continuing influx of youth that will start to manifest itself quickly. Otherwise there is a massive crisis in the offing.
So the point I am trying to make, is that we need to secure the long term future. The current team / crop look good, of course, but if in the meanwhile we have alienated the future this does not bode well.
I want this improvement to sustained, that's all.
I have no problem in their engagement if we recognise this for what it is, but we must, must, must back up their engagement with a continuing influx of youth that will start to manifest itself quickly. Otherwise there is a massive crisis in the offing.
So the point I am trying to make, is that we need to secure the long term future. The current team / crop look good, of course, but if in the meanwhile we have alienated the future this does not bode well.
I want this improvement to sustained, that's all.
Ah, the hyperbole again. "Otherwise for the 15 selected there will be 30+ players completely demotivated".
The truth of it, as you well know us that 22 get selected for every match, or more when there are injury doubts. 15 starters, 5 replacement, plus a further back and forward replacement in case of late illness or injury.
You also know full well that there is no competition for 2nd XVs, no finding for their travel, no spare coaching or support staff. This isn't just at Coventry, it affects many clubs across the National Leafue levels of the game.
What will be done is what is done from above to Coventry from above as well. Players will go out to the clubs two levels below, with terms that allow Coventry to recall them if needed for cover. They'll play at that level, and if needed will be pulled back, as happened with Will Maiswy last season.
The truth of it, as you well know us that 22 get selected for every match, or more when there are injury doubts. 15 starters, 5 replacement, plus a further back and forward replacement in case of late illness or injury.
You also know full well that there is no competition for 2nd XVs, no finding for their travel, no spare coaching or support staff. This isn't just at Coventry, it affects many clubs across the National Leafue levels of the game.
What will be done is what is done from above to Coventry from above as well. Players will go out to the clubs two levels below, with terms that allow Coventry to recall them if needed for cover. They'll play at that level, and if needed will be pulled back, as happened with Will Maiswy last season.
Quote:r hess
To be brutally honest, we also need to think beyond the influx of elderly Welsh players coming to the end of their undoubtedley illustrious careers.
I have no problem in their engagement if we recognise this for what it is, but we must, must, must back up their engagement with a continuing influx of youth that will start to manifest itself quickly. Otherwise there is a massive crisis in the offing.
So the point I am trying to make, is that we need to secure the long term future. The current team / crop look good, of course, but if in the meanwhile we have alienated the future this does not bode well.
I want this improvement to sustained, that's all.
The team age profile is the mixture of ages you get with all teams - most of them are a long way from rugby retirement age. Recently, we have suffered from a lack of leadership and game management; players like Nash and Davies should improve matters in this regard and I'm not sure their being Welsh has any relevance.
Sorry to 'bang on', but this issue seems vital to me.
Firstly, there is no hyperbole. We are just arguing about percentages. Even using 22 players, statistics dictate that 50% of the squad miss out.
Secondly, I wasn't wishing to be rude about the Welsh (heaven forfend), the point is that they do not have the local interest that some of our other players do. They have different motives, that's all.
So, notwithstanding the good start, my concerns are unallayed. Sorry.
Firstly, there is no hyperbole. We are just arguing about percentages. Even using 22 players, statistics dictate that 50% of the squad miss out.
Secondly, I wasn't wishing to be rude about the Welsh (heaven forfend), the point is that they do not have the local interest that some of our other players do. They have different motives, that's all.
So, notwithstanding the good start, my concerns are unallayed. Sorry.
Mr Hess I suggest you speak to the Welsh players themselves and perhaps you will get a more rounded picture of their thoughts.
If 5 Welsh players and 3 South Africans keep us at the top of the table, they'll do for me.
we would all like to see local lads playing for Cov, but they need to be good enough. Suggesting that players who are not from the area are inherently less committed is parochial and baseless. Tt's the nature of modern team sport and the much more mobile world we live in, that professional teams are less likely to be made up of local products. Added to that, the fact that any outstanding youngsters are going to be picked up by the prem acadamies means a local youngster turning out for Cov is going to be the exception rather than the rule. It's good to see Maisey doing well and it demonstrates that young local players will be selected if the are good enough.
Sorry I am not making myself clear.
I have no doubt at all that the Welsh lads are just as committed as everyone else.That has not been the issue.
My point remains that I canot see the sense in signing up 40 + players, to only use 50% and then have an almighty scramble every close season to see who can be bought in to replace the old and disenchanted.
I would far rather see a much smaller squad of better paid players, augmented by loan players if an injury crisis looms.
That way a long term team might be created. At present I do not see this happening. I would also be a little cautious about the two results to date. I am absolutely delighted, but I do note that both sides are lanquishing in the bottom half of the table. Part of that is due to arithmetic certainty, but Saturday's test will be far more telling I believe.
So, please do not read these posts as criticism, for they are not meant to be. We undoubtedly have a good side, but I think the trick is to sustain and build on it, not have a vast 'merry go round' every close season.
I have no doubt at all that the Welsh lads are just as committed as everyone else.That has not been the issue.
My point remains that I canot see the sense in signing up 40 + players, to only use 50% and then have an almighty scramble every close season to see who can be bought in to replace the old and disenchanted.
I would far rather see a much smaller squad of better paid players, augmented by loan players if an injury crisis looms.
That way a long term team might be created. At present I do not see this happening. I would also be a little cautious about the two results to date. I am absolutely delighted, but I do note that both sides are lanquishing in the bottom half of the table. Part of that is due to arithmetic certainty, but Saturday's test will be far more telling I believe.
So, please do not read these posts as criticism, for they are not meant to be. We undoubtedly have a good side, but I think the trick is to sustain and build on it, not have a vast 'merry go round' every close season.
Quote:There has been no lack of local talent, but unfortunately once it is evident they are talented, they are off to "furrin" parts, where they are attracted by the filthy lucre.rustyroof
we would all like to see local lads playing for Cov, but they need to be good enough. Suggesting that players who are not from the area are inherently less committed is parochial and baseless. Tt's the nature of modern team sport and the much more mobile world we live in, that professional teams are less likely to be made up of local products. Added to that, the fact that any outstanding youngsters are going to be picked up by the prem acadamies means a local youngster turning out for Cov is going to be the exception rather than the rule. It's good to see Maisey doing well and it demonstrates that young local players will be selected if the are good enough.
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