By Paul Smith 
Coventry Rugby confirms those players who will be leaving the club as their contracts come to an end following the completion of the 2023/24 season.
The club would like to place on record its thanks for the contribution made during their time at the Butts Park Arena and wish them every success in the future.
Head coach Alex Rae paid tribute to the players who he described as being part of an outstanding group with whom the coaches have really enjoyed working.
“It’s always sad to see good people leave and all these lads are all good people,” he said.
“They’ve all contributed massively to the team and worn the shirt with great pride. They’ll all go on to be successful wherever they end up and are extremely welcome back at the BPA.”
Ollie Andrews – the prop forward made 26 appearances for the blue-and-whites after arriving from Cardiff Met University in 2022.
Jack Bartlett – the former Gloucester academy back-row forward suffered a leg injury at Hartpury in March which ended his season. Prior to this he made 18 appearances for Coventry.
Ollie Betteridge – the centre has played 22 games since joining Rae’s squad two years ago including the final two league games of the current campaign.
Will Chudley – last season’s supporters’ club player-of-the-year announced his retirement from professional rugby last month. The former Exeter and Worcester no.9 played 42 games for Cov following the demise of the Warriors in September 2022.
Louis James – The full back departs a few games shy of completing a half-century for Coventry. He recovered from a hamstring injury to feature in the closing rounds of action this year.
Leo Jowett – Academy centre who leaves after two seasons with Cov during which he has gained valuable National League experience on loan.
Evan Mitchell – the fly half who has played more than 50 games for his hometown club including a number at full back leaves the Butts Park Arena having amassed more than 190 points.
Adam Nicol – The powerful prop made a big impression after arriving from Jersey despite being limited to 13 appearances through injury.
Paddy Ryan – As previously announced the Irish-born flanker who was part of the matchday squad on 20 occasions this term opted to pursue his international ambitions with the USA through a move to California.
Harry Stone – Academy forward who made his Cov debut from the bench in recent weeks after enjoying loan spells in the National Leagues.
Toby Venner – Scrum-half who played four times as a triallist scoring a memorable hat-trick against Cambridge.
Tobi Wilson – The pacy full back took his opportunity at Cov with both hands following the demise of Worcester. He has made 24 appearances in total over the last 16 months.
Will Wand – The outstanding centre who was last week named as players’ player-of-the-year for 2023/24 has played 42 Coventry games over two seasons. Wand joins his former midfield partner Will Rigg in being signed by a Premiership club after making huge strides under the coaching of Gordon Ross, James Scaysbrook and Alex Rae.
The departing players will be presented with a framed shirt to thank them for their efforts on behalf of Coventry at the end of the 150th anniversary match against England U20s on Saturday May 25th.
The club hopes supporters will stay on after the final whistle and help us say thank you.
Tickets for Coventry’s 150th anniversary game against England U20’s on Saturday May 25th are available from: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/matchday-tickets/ or on the gate on the day.
