By John Wilkinson, Coventry Telegraph
March 4 2011

COVENTRY have been handed a massive boost going into tomorrow’s game at Wharfedale with captain Nick Southern signing a new two-year deal to remain at the Butts Park Arena.The former England Under-21 back rower has played an influential part in stabilising Cov’s new-look squad in National League One after the club was pushed to the brink last season, and rugby director Phil Maynard is delighted with Southern’s decision to stay.

“From my perspective it’s a statement of intent and shows that these guys want to buy in to what we are trying to do here,” said Maynard. “It’s great news.

“Nick’s a great influence around the place and has also been a leading performer on the field for us.

“He had a three or four-year sabbatical after being the next great thing with Gloucester Academy and England and he has come back with an appetite for the game and is enjoying being a part of this club.”

Cov, who are one place and six points above tomorrow’s hosts in the table, will travel to the Dales in buoyant mood after last week’s remarkable win at Redruth, where they came from 26-7 down to win 43-31 but Maynard says everyone is aware that the pattern of the game highlighted areas to address.

“We know there are things we have to work on, and we have paid special attention to our starts and our defensive game at training this week,” he said.

“We gave Wharfedale a 22-0 start down here in October before coming back to beat them 37-29 but we know we can’t expect to do that again.

“Wharfedale is a very difficult place to go and they have got a lot of players coming back from injury who will make a big difference to them. They have had some good wins this year and they will see this game as part of their path to survival.

“Hopefully we can put together an 80-minute performance this time and build on what we achieved last week when I thought we played outstanding rugby in the second half.”

Cov can select from a full-strength squad with prop Luke Beales given the all-clear after taking a heavy knock in the opening minutes of the second half at Redruth.

“We may start with the same team as last week but everyone is available to us so we will make the decision today,” said Maynard.

Players missing out will get their chance at the Butts Park Arena on Tuesday night when Cov’s Nighthawks take on the Army (7.30pm).

Coventry: (probable) Sadler; Gregson, Stevens, Green, McDonald; Russell, Audis; Beales, Ager, Parkins, Herrington, Southern, Daynes, Nash, Pearson. Reps: Read, McDonald, Pateman, Price, Tibbatts.

Captain Nick Southern signs new deal to stay at Cov

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 04/03/2011 17:17

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
04/03/2011 17:17

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ohv
04/03/2011 22:37

Great news that he's signed and good to hear we're starting the building blocks for next season. Need the other players to follow suit now. Go and get a result tomorrow COV! : )

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