By Coventry Rugby 
By Alex Didlick
Coventry Rugby welcome Nottingham to the Butts Park Arena this Saturday in a fixture that could prove pivotal in the race for the playoffs. With Nottingham arriving in fifth and Coventry sitting just three places behind in eighth, this Matt Gallagher Cup clash carries real significance for both sides as the season edges towards its halfway point.
Alex Rae names a strong and purposeful side, built to meet the physical challenge that Nottingham will bring, while maintaining the attacking intent that has underpinned Coventry’s recent performances.
The front row sees Aristot Benz-Salomon, captain Jordon Poole, and Matt Johnson tasked with laying the foundations at set-piece time. In the engine room, Jack Shine partners Senitiki Nayalo, whose power and work rate continue to be central to Coventry’s forward play.
The back row combines industry and ballast, with Alan Ferrie starting at blindside alongside ever-present Tom Ball, while Morgan Strong completes the pack at number eight, continuing his influential run of form.
At half-back, Josh Barton links up with Josh Thomas, the latter again entrusted with steering the ship in a fixture where control and accuracy will be vital. Out wide, Coventry boasts proven finishing quality in Peter Sullivan and David Opoku-Fordjour, while Tom Bacon retains the full-back jersey after another assured display last time out.
The midfield pairing of Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti and Morgan Adderly-Jones continues, offering a blend of energy, physicality, and distribution as Coventry look to challenge Nottingham across the gain-line.
Finishers
Coventry are well covered from the bench, with Alfie Longstaff, Keston Lines, and Eliot Salt providing front-row reinforcement. Dan Green and Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi add depth and dynamism to the pack, while Sam Maunder, Tommy Mathews, and Api Bavadra offer pace, control, and attacking options in the closing stages.
With league position, momentum, and playoff ambitions all on the line, Coventry will be looking to make home advantage count in what promises to be a compelling contest at the BPA.
1. Aristot Benz-Salomon
2. Jordon Poole ©
3. Matt Johnson
4. Jack Shine
5. Senitiki Nayalo
6. Allan Ferrie
7. Tom Ball
8. Morgan Strong
9. Josh Barton
10. Josh Thomas
11. Peter Sullivan
12. Dafydd-Rhys Tiueti
13. Morgan Adderly-Jones
14. David Opoku-Fordjour
15. Tom Bacon
16. Alfie Longstaff
17. Keston Lines
18. Eliot Salt
19. Dan Green
20. Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi
21. Sam Maunder
22. Tommy Mathews
23. Api Bavadra
