Coventry have re-signed former Wales international Barry Davies as they build a squad they hope will challenge for the National One title next season.
The ex-Ospreys and Brive full-back, who signed from Jersey last summer, has agreed to play on for one more year and becomes the tenth player to commit for next term.
And he does so having made his first start in seven weeks in Saturday’s heartbreaking defeat to Doncaster, albeit for only the first 40 minutes.
The 32-year-old was injured setting up Will Hurrell’s try just before half-time although there is not thought to be any serious damage.
His retention is a boost to Coventry who have looked a different team when Davies has been on the pitch.
His long-range goal-kicking gave them a 20-17 win over Richmond in February and his kicking from hand, pace and lines of running are those of a player who has played at the highest level.
His experience has also proved invaluable and Davies has much to offer Scott Morgan’s coaching set-up as they look to mount a serious promotion challenge next term.
“When he’s been available Barry has been an influential player for us this season and we’re delighted he’ll be with us next season too,” said rugby director Phil Maynard. “Any side in this league would love to have a player of his class and pedigree in their squad and it’s gratifying that he shares our vision of taking Coventry forward.”
Surely this really good news. Before the game on Saturday we were speculating as to Barry's future and saying how useful he could be to the club with all his experience and knowledge.
He maybe in the twilight of his playing career but his experience and knowledge could be so useful, particularly to the development of the club, most particularly the players, towards seriously gunning for promotion next season.
May I suggest that signing Barry is a real coup for next season?
A potential assistant backs coach perhaps?
The only thing I would say is whilst I completely agree with his signing his fitness this year has meant a lack of consistency paying, which has meant a lack of consistency with selection at the FB position, which then has had a knock on effect at centre as its generally been cliffie who's gone back to FB.
Would we rather have a player slightly not as good at FB for 100% of the games, or a player of undoubted better quality for 50% of the games? Tough one..
Nige H
I agree this last season during the pre season training sessions Barry was giving a lot of input into the training sessions, I am sure this can be seen from this seasons improvement, a position in the coaching squad should be made, and that is not taking away the important part Pete G has done for the first team and the Henley developement squad.
Hi kimbo..Of course i dont know he wont play in every game next season, but you have to make assesments and opinions based on what i see.. And this season he hasnt done well injury wise, and they dont seem to be seeious injuries, moreso the niggly injuries that occurs as the body gets older!
Nige H Hi kimbo..Of course i dont know he wont play in every game next season, but you have to make assesments and opinions based on what i see.. And this season he hasnt done well injury wise, and they dont seem to be seeious injuries, moreso the niggly injuries that occurs as the body gets older!
As kimbo should know
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:04:25:02:08:15 by Mick Shaw.
Not the most exciting of contract renewals. Doesn't play often enough, and his international "experience" barely warrants mention. Keeping him in a coaching capacity might have been worthwhile.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment.
We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals.
We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards.
If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing
abuse@sportnetwork.net