By Coventry Rugby 
Coventry Rugby continue their build-up to the 2025/26 campaign with a second pre-season outing, this time against Caldy RFC. Head Coach Alex Rae has named a matchday squad packed with familiar faces and exciting new talent as the Cov Dogs continue preparations for the Championship season.
Hooker Jordon Poole will lead the side as captain, while loosehead Toby Trinder and tighthead Matt Johnson complete the front row. In the engine room, Jack Shine joins forces with powerhouse forward Senitiki Nayalo, with Fijian recruit Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi and Cov stalwart Tom Ball combining in the back row alongside dynamic number eight Morgan Strong.
At half-back, former Exeter scrum-half Sam Maunder partners fly-half Josh Thomas, with plenty of flair outside them in the form of Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti and Oli Morris in midfield. Pace and finishing ability are provided by wings David Opoku-Fordjour and Peter Sullivan, while young full-back Ewan Baker continues at 15 after impressing in the opener.
A sizeable group of finishers will again look to make an impact, including front-row options Keston Lines, Aristot Benz-Salomon, and Suva Ma’asi, as well as experienced backs Tommy Mathews and Josh Barton. Senior Academy graduates Sam Harding, Sam Gibson, Harry Ingram, Joe Johnston, and Taio Varndell are also named, providing another opportunity to gain valuable senior minutes.
Coventry Starters (1–15)
- Toby Trinder
- Jordon Poole (c)
- Matt Johnson
- Jack Shine
- Senitiki Nayalo
- Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi
- Tom Ball
- Morgan Strong
- Sam Maunder
- Josh Thomas
- David Opoku-Fordjour
- Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti
- Oli Morris
- Peter Sullivan
- Ewan Baker
Coventry Finishers
Keston Lines, Aristot Benz-Salomon, Suva Ma’asi, Eliot Salt, Dan Green, Will Smith, Mackenzie Graham, Josh Barton, Tom Miles, Tommy Mathews, Morgan Adderly-Jones, Api Bavadra, Taio Varndell, Sam Gibson, Sam Harding, Harry Ingram, Joe Johnston.
Matchday tickets can be purchased online at: coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/matchday-tickets or on the gate.
The new Coventry Rugby 2025/26 Home Replica Shirt is available to pre-order online and in-store now: eliteprosports.co.uk/coventry-rugby/coventry-rugby-official-kit/coventry-rugby-home-kit
