By Coventry Rugby 
by Alex Didlick
Coventry Rugby return home to Butts Park Arena this Saturday for Community Day, looking to bounce back after a frustrating afternoon at Hartpury. With Ampthill sitting just behind Cov in the table and looking to recover after a bruising encounter against Ealing, this weekend shapes up to be another important early-season test for Alex Rae’s squad.
Rae makes a handful of adjustments to the matchday 23, blending familiarity with opportunity as the group look to reassert themselves on home turf.
The front row sees Toby Trinder, Jordon Poole (captain) and Eliot Salt pack down together, with Poole continuing to lead from hooker as he continues an excellent run of form. Behind them, Jack Shine and Senitiki Nayalo resume their second-row partnership – Nayalo’s power has been a key source of momentum in recent weeks.
In the back row, Mackenzie Graham and Tom Ball retain their shirts, joined by Morgan Strong, who once again starts at No. 8. Strong’s influence around the park remains a crucial part of Cov’s attacking shape and breakdown work.
The half-back pairing sees Sam Maunder link up with Tommy Mathews, who continues to grow into his role at fly-half. Out wide, Ewan Baker and David Opoku-Fordjour offer pace and finishing ability, while Tom Bacon marshals the backfield once again at full-back.
In midfield, Api Bavadra and Morgan Adderly-Jones combine, offering a mix of carrying threat and defensive organisation.
There is strong impact available from the bench, with front-row options Murray Davidson, Aristot Benz-Salomon, and Matt Johnson. Onisivoro Nayagi and Dan Green provide dynamic forward cover, while the backs are supported by Josh Barton, Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti, and Oli Morris – each offering energy and versatility as the game opens up.
We look forward to hosting many of you tomorrow, especially lookout for all the jazzy socks being worn by our players, showcasing some of the best of our community. The clubs and schools they are wearing is detailed below:
1. Toby Trinder – Keresley RFC
2. Jordon Poole © – Broadstreet RFC
3. Eliot Salt – Bablake School
4. Jack Shine – Old Coventrians RFC
5. Senitiki Nayalo – Claverdon RFC
6. Mackenzie Graham – Barr’s Hill School
7. Tom Ball – Earlsdon RFC
8. Morgan Strong – Arnold Lodge School
9. Sam Maunder – St Regis School
10. Tommy Mathews – King Henry VIII School
11. Ewan Baker – Leamington RFC
12. Api Bavadra – Old Leamingtonians RFC
13. Morgan Adderly-Jones – Warwick School
14. David Opoku-Fordjour – Kenilworth RFC
15. Tom Bacon – Rugby Lions
16. Murray Davidson – Hinckley RFC
17. Aristot Benz-Salomon – Warwick University
18. Matt Johnson – Warwickshire RFU
19. Onisivoro Sukani Nayagi – Nuneaton RFC
20. Dan Green – Bedworth RFC
21. Josh Barton – Keresley RFC
22. Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti – Lawrence Sheriff School
23. Oli Morris – Old Wheatleyan’s RFC
