RUGBY UNION: COVENTRY will have added international in their ranks next season after confirming the signings of Alex Grove and Jack Preece for the 2017/18 campaign.
Grove returns to Coventry having made one try-scoring appearance for the Blues & Whites during the 2008/09 season when on loan from Worcester Academy.
He made 152 appearances for Worcester Warriors in ten seasons at Sixways, which also included a six-month loan spell at Edinburgh, before joining Birmingham Moseley last summer.
The 29-year-old has been capped by Scotland at Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and A-levels before going on to win three full caps at centre for his country.
Preece has figured in the England 7s squad and also played for England Counties. At club level, the 27-year-old played 104 games in five seasons at Birmingham & Solihull, captaining them in 2011-12, and was awarded the double accolade of players’ player and supporters’ player of the year in consecutive seasons.
He then spent three seasons at Rotherham Titans where he made 71 appearances has twice been named in the Championship Dream Team of the Year as an open side.
The pair will bring a wealth of experience to the Butts Park Arena and are currently plying their trade for neighbours and National League One rivals Birmingham Moseley.
“Alex and Jack are great additions,” said director of rugby, Rowland Winter. “Both are ambitious and are keen to be part of an ambitious club.
“Both players have strong leadership qualities and they have consistently impressed throughout the season for Moseley.
“Jack is a tough and skilful player who can also cover hooker, and he has been one of the stand out performers at 7 in the league this season.
“Alex is a creative and clever midfielder who has impressed week in, week out this season. He will add plenty of experience to our team on and off the pitch.
“We look forward to welcoming them both into the squad.”
Coventry have confirmed they will announced up to six new signings in the coming week, all will proven Championship pedigree, and they have also announced they will be looking to retain 80 per cent of the current squad in order to push on to the next level in National League One next season.
