New signings Justin Reid and David Harvey were introduced to the assembled press at a press conference ahead of the local derby on Saturday against Pertemps Bees.

Both players are eager to feature in the first team and may get their chance on Saturday as Coventry take on the Bees at Sharmans Cross Road. Several slight injury problems are affecting the team ahead of the clash with Richard Davies, Paul Clapham and Tom Johnson nursing hamstring and heel injuries as well as continuing problems for Josh Taumalolo, Dave Tiueti and Dan Farani. Coach Mike Umaga is confident of naming a strong starting XV for Saturday and is buoyed by the return of open side flanker Gareth Gravell.

There is no doubt that new second row forward Justin Reid is up for the challenge of a starting place on Saturday. Former Scottish under 21 player and member of the Auckland Rugby Union high performance unit, admitted that Coventry Rugby Club’s reputation and the quality of coaching (provided by Mike Umaga and Don Mackinnon) were a big draw in signing a temporary contract at the club. The 23 year-old Glaswegian aims to ‘cement a first team place’ and help to fulfill the team’s potential.

This view is shared by David Harvey. The fullback/ fly-half was watching in the stands during last weeks disappointing defeat to Doncaster and admits he was itching to play a part in the proceedings. Harvey has been encouraged by the welcome he has received in Coventry and believes that his game will fit in well with the Coventry set-up. He feels the club has given him a good opportunity by bringing him to England and he intends to make his mark in the team.

Coventry’s hosts on Saturday, Pertemps Bees have, like Coventry, had an inconsistent start to their season. The Bees have recorded 6 points from 4 league outings; their latest achieved with a draw against Sedgley Park, and face some injury and suspension worries ahead of Saturdays match. However, their recent performances and the prospect of a local derby on their home soil may motivate the Bees.

Head Coach Umaga confirmed that Coventry will stick to their game plan and are keen to play direct, consistent rugby in order to claim full points. He feels discipline will be vital to combat the high number of penalties the team has recently incurred in games, the latest arguably costing Coventry a victory last week at Doncaster. With several encouraging signings in recent weeks and hopefully a numerically large and vocal away support on Saturday Coventry will be seeking to perform against their old rivals.