Alex Rae Names Side for First Fixture at the Nick Newbold Stadium

Coventry Rugby return to home soil this Saturday for a landmark occasion as they play their first-ever fixture at the newly renamed Nick Newbold Stadium, hosting Doncaster Knights in Champ Rugby action (KO: 3pm).

Head coach Alex Rae has named a strong matchday 23 for the historic clash, as the Blue & Whites look to mark the occasion with a statement performance in front of their home supporters.

The front row sees Aristot Benz-Salomon, captain Jordon Poole, and Eliot Salt pack down together, while Dan Greenand Senitiki Nayalo form the second-row partnership. The back row is made up of Allan Ferrie, Tom Ball, and Morgan Strong, offering a balance of physicality and work rate.

In the backs, Josh Barton starts at scrum-half alongside Tommy Mathews at fly-half. Morgan Adderly-Jones and Dafydd-Rhys Tiueti combine in midfield, with Api Bavadra and David Opoku-Fordjour providing width on the wings. Tom Bacon completes the starting XV at full-back.

There is also a potential milestone from the bench, with senior academy player Sam Harding in line to make his Coventry Rugby debut should he be introduced.

Starting XV

1. Aristot Benz-Salomon
2. Jordon Poole (c)
3. Eliot Salt
4. Dan Green
5. Senitiki Nayalo
6. Allan Ferrie
7. Tom Ball
8. Morgan Strong
9. Josh Barton
10. Tommy Mathews
11. Api Bavadra
12. Morgan Adderly-Jones
13. Dafydd-Rhys Tiueti
14. David Opoku-Fordjour
15. Tom Bacon

Replacements
16. Murray Davidson
17. Keston Lines
18. Matt Johnson
19. Jack Shine
20. Sam Harding
21. Tom Miles
22. Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi
23. Mackenzie Graham