COVENTRY Rugby loan pair Tom Hitchcock and Rhys Anstey have both completed permanent moves to the club.
Both players impressed on loan from Championship winners Ealing Trailfinders last season and head coach Alex Rae has acted quickly to add the duo to his squad next season.
Hitchcock initially joined the club after Will Rigg moved to the Premiership with Exeter Chiefs while Welsh lock Anstey made 20 appearances for the club during the 2023/24 campaign.
Rae said: “We’re really happy to have Tom on board. He’s had a really rough 12 months in the rugby world with none of it being his own doing.
“We quickly saw some love and being in a really good environment brought out the best of him and there’s still so much more room for growth.
“We’re really happy to turn Rhys into a Coventry player. He’s been brilliant around the place, works really hard and has a huge amount of potential.
“Hopefully he’s now found a home, with support and time put into him he will really kick on.”
Anstey originally moved across the Severn from Cardiff to join Ealing and is looking forward to playing in front of the Butts Park Arena crowd again next season.
Anstey added: “All the boys and the coaches have been very welcoming since I arrived here from Ealing and I’m really happy to play another year in front of the wonderful Butts Park supporters.
“I’m hoping to play my best rugby and with the team having done so well this year to clinch a top-three finish I’m hoping we can at least repeat that next season.”
Hitchcock previously joined Ealing following the collapse of London Irish and quickly settled in at Cov last term.
Hitchcock said: “I’ve been at Cov since February and everyone has been really welcoming.
“I really think I can develop my career here as part of a fantastic team with some outstanding players and coaches.
“Cov has a proper club feel to it and the fans are great – playing in front of crowds the size we get here is amazing and I’m really looking forward to next season.”
