By Tom Little.
March 14 2013

Coventry Rugby are delighted to announce that they have retained the services of two of their rising stars for the coming season 2013/4. Fullback or fly half Cliffie Hodgson and lock forward Tom Poole have both shown their faith in Coventry Rugby, after having a tremendous impact in their first season in National League 1.

Cliffie Hodgson, aged 23 came to Coventry Rugby at the start of the season from Championship side Rotherham Titans. Renowned as a high percentage goal kicker Cliffie has enhanced his reputation being second by just one point to Ealing’s Tom Wheatcroft as being both the League’s leading kicker and points scorer. Already on 241 points with 7 games to go, Cliffie is close to beating 300 points for the season; he has also scored 4 tries and 4 drop goals so far this season.

Phil Maynard, Coventry’s Rugby Director, has been impressed with how Cliffie has already proved his worth, with his consistently high percentage kicking success rate and overall game, in what had become a difficult position to fill in earlier seasons. Always capable of keeping the scoreboard ticking over his goal kicking exploits has kept Coventry in contention for most of their games this season.

Starting the season as fly half mid- way through the season a tactical change saw Cliffie switched to full back allowing young Will Maisey to come in. This tactical switch has allowed Coventry to play a more attacking game and in effect has given Coventry two playmakers. His importance to the team is shown by the fact that he has started all 23 games so far this season.

After a somewhat unhappy time at Rotherham, Cliffie has settled in well in the area, and is enjoying the camaraderie, with his team mates, friends as well as the Coventry Rugby supporters. He did join Coventry with the desire to renew his contract for the coming season, as he feels that despite some mixed results this season, the team has the overall ability to make a strong challenge for promotion next season, which is one of his personal goals.

Tom Poole, aged 24, joined Coventry Rugby at the start of this season, with only junior club experience behind him including Kettering. It took Tom some time to get established with this large jump to the pace and difference of National League 1, but after a series of replacement appearances, sometimes as a back row forward, Tom has now settled into his role as lock forward working alongside Coventry’s captain Scott Morgan. Already with 11 starts and 4 replacement games scoring 2 tries, Tom has proved his worth as a hard running and tackling forward able to play both in the second row and back row. Preferring to play lock he also enjoys the freedom that back row play brings.

Tom has tremendously enjoyed his first season in senior rugby and although frustrating at times has found the competition for places especially at lock forward beneficial for the Coventry Rugby team as a whole, as the coaches look for the best combination. He finds the Coventry Rugby squad a great bunch of lads and he can’t thank the Coventry coaches enough in recognising his value and how much he has progressed in the season.

Impressed with the set up both on and off the pitch, with the Coventry club’s infrastructure and fan base, Tom is most appreciate of all the support he has received. With Scott Morgan alongside him in the scrum he has found this experience invaluable, often more so in training when Scott’s advice makes him be aware of the nuances and tips to improve his game.

Tom wishes that his rapid progress over the past season continues and feels  that Coventry Rugby are now putting a squad together that will have a major impact on the league for the coming season.

He would love to be part of a serious promotion push next season, although is realistic enough to see the great competition for places.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

13^th March 2013

Cov boosted by retention of Cliffie Hodgson and Tom Poole.

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 14/03/2013 07:42

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
14/03/2013 07:42

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net