COVENTRY Rugby have signed a quintet of players ahead of the 2026/27 Champ Rugby season to bolster Alex Rae’s squad.
Tumy Onasanya, Joe Margetts, Alex Garrett, Rhys Fulford and Marcus Rhodes will all make the move to the Nick Newbold Stadium next season.
Loosehead prop Onasanya progressed through the Sale Sharks pathway and has represented England at under-18 and under-20 level.
The 24-year-old made 43 first team appearances for Sale and also spent time on loan at Chinnor.
He began his rugby journey with Eccles Rugby and Leigh RUFC and earned representative honours with Lancashire and North of England Counties.
Onasanya said: “I’m really excited and grateful to be coming to such a great team.
“Having heard, seen and played against Coventry, I know what an amazing group of players they have and I’m looking forward to adding to that.”
Coventry head coach Rae added: “Tumy is a player with huge potential and has already proved that in Premiership and European games for Sale.
“Sometimes you need to take a little step back to then push on again and we’re excited to help him do that.”
Experienced centre Margetts arrives at Coventry with more than 100 appearances to his name in England’s second tier.
The 29-year-old represented both Hartpury and Doncaster Knights following a stint in New Zealand with the University of Otago.
He later spent time in France with USBPA Rugby before returning to Doncaster for a second spell with the Knights.
Margetts said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Coventry next season.
“The ambition throughout the club and the style of rugby they play really stood out to me, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s goals, playing in front of the supporters, meeting everyone, and creating some special memories together.”
Rae added: “Joe’s a proven performer in this league.
“He has a really good skillset and physical attributes which are going to really suit our style of rugby.”
Young winger Garrett moves to Coventry after developing through the Leicester Tigers academy.
The 21-year-old came through Denstone College before joining the Tigers and later represented the University of Nottingham.
Garrett continued his development in the Champ with Nottingham RFC where he made five appearances.
He earned a place in the England Rugby Universities squad earlier this year for an annual fixture against France.
Garrett said: “I can’t wait until we start in July.
“I can’t wait to meet the boys and play the joué type of rugby that made me sign here.”
Rae added: “As soon as I watched Alex’s BUCS games, I was really excited.
“Then watching him perform in the Championship, nothing changed, which was really exciting.
“He has fantastic aerial skills and a natural ability to beat people and offload, which is what we really liked.”
South African forward Fulford develop through some of his country’s most established pathways before making the move to England.
The 24-year-old captained St Alban’s College in his homeland and later represented Western Province under-20s.
He also captained the side when part of the highly-regarded Maties Rugby programme.
Following spells with Hamilton Rugby Club and Cambridge Rugby Club, Fulford will take the next step of his career with Coventry.
Fulford said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Coventry this season.
“From playing against them last year, I was so impressed by the way they approach the game and hope that I can do my bit to contribute to an even more successful season.”
Rae added: “Rhys had a tough season in terms of being in a struggling Cambridge side, but we saw traits that we really liked and believe that in our environment he will really thrive.”
Rhodes returns to professional rugby with Coventry following an impressive spell in BUCS rugby.
The 24-year-old back-row forward can play across the back row and at number eight.
Rhodes came through the London Irish academy before representing England at under-20 level.
He also earned recognition with England Students while studying at Durham University.
Rhodes said: “I’m extremely delighted to have signed with Coventry and to be back in professional rugby.
“It seems to be an amazing club that has come off the back of a successful season and I can’t think of a better place to be coming into.
“The attacking brand of rugby suits me perfectly and I can’t wait to meet the lads and get started.”
Rae added: “Marcus has been a standout in the BUCS league as one of the most physical, consistent forwards in the competition.
“He’s also shown his leadership abilities and now wants to kick on with us.”
