RUGBY LEAGUE: A PAIR of new initiatives have been announced by Coventry Bears to try and tap into the wealth of rugby league talent in the area.
An open ‘trials day’ will be held on September 24 where ‘would-be’ rugby league players will be put through their paces by Bears’ coaching team.
A semi-professional contract for 2018 – where Bears will face teams including Bradford Bulls, Newcastle Thunder, and London Skolars – will be up for grabs for those who impress on the day.
Forward Charlie O’Mara turned up at a similar event. After impressing coaches, he signed a contract with the Bears and went on to become the club’s leading try scorer in 2016.
Elsewhere Coventry will be one of four clubs from across the country to set up a development hub.
Joining top Super League side Castleford Tigers, the academy aims to create a unique collaboration for junior players between the Bears, Tigers, and the Midlands Hurricanes Rugby League Academy.
Speaking about the Academy, Alan Robinson – Bears chief executive – said: “This programme is part of an exciting new relationship we are building with the Midlands Hurricanes Academy.
“They have been developing players for a number of years now at Loughborough college and we have seen great success with a number of players featuring for the Bears or moving onto courses and scholarships at Coventry University.
“Forging a link with the Hurricanes and assisting in the growth of this new pathway for the game is vital if we are to bring more players through.
“I know Castleford Tigers have also shown a keen interest in midlands players at this level and I think it is also great to see a club of such status recognising that there is a pool of talent here.
“We are also looking forward to developing a new relationship with the Tigers.”
