By Paul Smith 
Four of Coventry Rugby’s rising stars have been confirmed as being part of Alex Rae’s squad for the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Back-rower Chester Owen (above), fly-half/centre Theo Mannion, winger David Opoku and scrum-half Fin Ogden will all remain at the Butts Park Arena for at least another 12 months.
Mannion has featured from the bench in the latter stages of the season and kicked some conversions against England Under-20s in the recent 150th anniversary match.
Ogden has also had limited opportunities behind Will Chudley, Will Lane and Toby Venner but the 20-year-old has been seen five times in blue-and-white during the course of 2023/24.
Former Leicester Academy back-rower Owen (20) has forced his way into the senior squad since Christmas making ten appearances in total including one league start at either flanker or no.8. He scored two Championship tries prior to grabbing a brace against England Under-20s.
Opoku has been seen on a number of occasions this season notably when scoring against Nottingham in the Premiership Rugby Cup and England under-20s.
All four players have enjoyed loan spells in the National Leagues this season, notably at Leicester Lions, Birmingham Moseley and Dudley Kingswinford.
Their head coach said all have done well since arriving at the Butts Park Arena.
“All four work hard in training and want to improve as rugby players which is one of the big things we look for,” Rae said.
“Chester has grabbed his chance with both hands in recent weeks and that shows everyone what is possible if you show a good attitude and put the effort in.
“There is plenty more to come from all three and that is exciting for them, us and the supporters.”
Season memberships for 2024/25 are available via this link: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/membership/
