By John Wilkinson COVENTRY Rugby’s head coach Nick Walshe is poised to return as a player over the final month of the National League One season.
The former England scrum-half has timed his comeback perfectly with former club Rosslyn Park visiting Butts Park Arena this coming Saturday.
The 43-year-old, who played top-flight club rugby at Harlequins, Bath and Sale Sharks, has already had experience as a player-coach in the Championship with Bedford Blues and gives Cov a valuable option as they plan for next season.
“Nick has rolled back the years at training, showing his quality and a great turn of speed,” said director of rugby, Rowland Winter.
“We’ve lost a bit of experience with the injuries mounting up across the squad, so Nick will be a welcome addition to the match-day squad over the next month and for our Championship campaign.”
Walshe’s decision was influenced by events earlier in the season when Cov lost both scrum-halves, Pete White and Dave Brazier, to long-term injuries within three weeks of each other – a situation which, had Winter been unable to secure the services of Tom Kessell on loan from Northampton Saints, could have impacted greatly on Cov’s title challenge.
Sad Walshe: “I’ve been envious of Luke Narraway all season, being able to coach and play, so I’ve dusted off my boots and worked hard to put myself in contention.
“Hopefully I can make a good impact, and with the World Cup next year, I’ll never say never.”
