COVENTRY Rugby’s Senitiki Nayalo took great pride in laying a Remembrance Day wreath on behalf of the club ahead of his side’s famous win against Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Nayalo, a serving member of the British Army, took inspiration from a poignant pre-match ceremony to score Coventry’s final try in a memorable 33-19 victory at Welford Road.
The popular Fijian, a Lance Bombardier of the 7th Parachute Regiment, admitted it was an emotional moment to lay a wreath before the game.
Nayalo said: “Presenting the wreath before the game on behalf of the club was a big thing for me and it was very emotional.
“To then top it off with a win at a ground where I’m told Coventry haven’t won for a very long time on my first visit was special.
“I could hear more Cov supporters than Leicester ones for most of the game and that was so motivating for us all – it was a great day.”
A scintillating first-half performance set Alex Rae’s side on their way to victory as Aaron Hinkley, Jordon Poole, Tom Hitchcock and David Opoku all crossed for tries in a nine-minute blitz before Nayalo scored Coventry’s final try after the break.
Cov secured a first win at Welford Road since 1992 and Nayalo insists the club can go on and win the league title if they continue to approach games with the same attitude.
Nayalo added: “James Tyas ripped the ball out of the maul and I took it out of his hands and started to run.
“For a second everything seemed to stand still and I almost stopped as I thought there was a penalty I hadn’t heard, but luckily I kept running and managed to score.
“I was really shocked and it was a fantastic moment – one I will tell my kids about for a long time.
“It was a fantastic team effort, you could see from our defence that all the boys gave absolutely everything.
“They didn’t care about their bodies at all and if we can keep that attitude all season we can win the league I’m sure.”
Coventry are next in action against Northampton Saints on Saturday, November 23 with kick-off at 3pm at Butts Park Arena.
