By
April 4 2011

This Saturday 9th April Coventry Rugby visit Rosslyn Park at Roehampton, kick off 2.30pm according to information from Priory Lane.Rosslyn Park, have a long and proud history, being formed in 1879, 5 years later than Coventry. There is even a long club connection going back to the 1890’s with France, which has been continued with the present French Head Coach ex Wasps and Stadt Francais flanker Florent Rossigneux.

Coventry have played Rosslyn Park six times since the leagues were formed, their last meeting in London was in the 1995/6 season, when Coventry completed the double. Earlier this season Park won the meeting at the Butts Park Arena 34 -27, despite Coventry outscoring them on tries.

In more recent times perhaps their most famous and respected player was England and rugby legend Andy Ripley, who sadly died last year.

Rosslyn Park promoted last year from NL2 South are currently in 7th position, one place 4 points ahead of Coventry.  Under Head Coach Florent Rossigneux they have recruited heavily for this season going for Premiership experience such as Mike Baxter No 9 (ex Bath), hooker Ben Gotting (ex Wasps), and ex London Irish pair winger John Rudd and centre Charlie Gower. There is also a dual registration arrangement with London Wasps.

Other players to watch are dangerous running fullback Ollie Lindsay-Hague, and experienced No 10 ex Scottish international Ross Laidlaw and leading goal kicker. Ex Coventry centre Chris Lewis has also been scoring tries for Park.

An experienced side with a strong pack and backs, Florent has encouraged his team to play the game in the spirit of Andy Ripley.

Results wise, Rosslyn Park have had their best result of the season, a home win over London Scottish. Another good result was a narrow loss to the then league leaders Barking by 20-18.

All matches even when lost have been very close allowing Rosslyn Park to pick up bonus points.

Another close and exciting match is expected away this Saturday as Coventry need to avenge their earlier defeat and look to go into their last four league matches with a view to finishing in the top half, particularly after their encouraging performance against London Scottish

 Coventry Rugby press office

Rosslyn park v Coventry rugby preview.

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 04/04/2011 18:08

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
04/04/2011 18:08

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Roger Fox
05/04/2011 15:20

We could be in with a chance here. Park have lost their last 5 games.

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