COVENTRY Rugby have sent three of their rising stars out on loan spells to lower-level clubs to develop them for Championship action in the future.
Exciting prospects David Opoku and Theo Mannion have joined Birmingham Moseley while Harry Stone has linked up with Old Northamptonians.
Flying 20-year-old winger Opoku is a local lad who came through Wasps’ junior academy before joining Cov.
He has already caught the eye this season after scoring against Leicester Lions in his club’s pre-season opener.
And 19-year-old fly-half Mannion is also a local product and made his Cov debut towards the end of last season against Richmond before kicking points in both of Cov’s pre-season games.
Mannion impressed Birmingham Moseley boss Adam Balding enough during the second of those games to be offered a loan deal by the National One club.
He has since made his debut for Moseley during their defeat at Berkshire-based promotion hopefuls Rams.
Teenage back-rower Stone returns to progressive Regional One South East side Old Northamptonians where he enjoyed loan spells last season.
Old Northamptonians play three levels below Coventry.
Coventry head coach Alex Rae said: “All three young players have trained extremely well this Summer and made really good strides.
“We have no doubt all three will feature at some point this season and are really confident they will do well.
“The best development for young players is to be playing rugby and these loans give them that opportunity.”
Coventry begin their competitive season at home to Premiership champions Saracens in the Premiership Rugby Cup on Saturday, September 9 with kick-off at 4pm at Butts Park Arena.
