Mike Umaga and Hendry Rheeders both attended an official press conference today ahead of the Otley game on Saturday, and both were keen to discuss the team’s preparations and the perhaps crucial return of fly-half Jon Higgins.

Naming five changes, including the introduction of new signing, prop Pete Bucknall, the return of fans favourite Kurt Johnson to the starting XV and a subs bench position for new Tongan international Josh Taumalolo, Coventry are intent on recording a much improved performance against a strong and experienced Otley side.

Coach Mike Umaga had no doubt that the team under-performed during their 13-22 defeat to Rotherham Earth Titans, but was confident that the side had put this defeat and their opening day failure against Sedgeley Park, behind them. Self belief, he asserted, was still strong, and lessons had been learnt, particularly in terms of rucks and decision-making.

Undoubtedly the Coventry cause will be aided by the return this Saturday of key player Jon Higgins. Back from a case of mumps, Higgins is strong and keen to impose himself in the team. Coach Umaga sees his return as pivotal, adding he provides, ‘a certain amount of composure, leadership and just takes the right options at the right time….he’s also a very good attacker and tactically very aware’.

Fans favourite Kurt Johnson returns to the team after a brief substitute appearance against Rotherham. The Barbados international has been carrying a niggling injury since pre-season but has been given a clean bill of health and will aim to put on a strong and aggressive performance for the Butts Park faithful.

In other changes, Hendry Rheeders will move to no. 8 to replace Dan Farani, who has a trapped nerve in his shoulder. Rheeders admits that he ‘loves playing no.8, but will play anywhere for Coventry’. The captain is very aware that the team will have to go ‘back to basics’ and play forward rugby in order to make the crucial step up that the team itself feels it can achieve.

Both Umaga and Rheeders feel its time for Coventry to meet their own and the fans’ expectations, and are determined to turn the corner. Umaga voiced his frustration, claiming, ‘we are not even 50% of our potential at the moment’.

Saturday’s opponents Otley will be a force to be reckoned with, in particular their numbers 8, 9 and 10 who display great strength and experience. Moreover, with two disappointing results in their first two league outings, including a narrow defeat to Harlequins, Otley have a point to prove.

However the Coventry team are confident that they will stick to their game plan and urge fans to believe in them as they believe in themselves, and together the team can ‘move that step forward’.