By Paul Smith 
Aaron Hinkley has become the latest highly-rated forward to join Coventry Rugby’s quest for a Championship title.
The 25-year-old flanker joins former England no.7 Matt Kvesic, 2023/24 player-of-the-season Tom Ball, British Army no.8 Senitiki Nayalo plus versatile former Saracen Obi Nkwocha in a truly outstanding Butts Park Arena back-row group.
The Hereford product appeared in 20 Premiership games during stints at Gloucester, Exeter and Northampton Saints in addition to playing four times in the Champions Cup.
Hinkley also represented England as an Under-18 before going on to win 15 further caps as an under-20 including an outing from the bench in the 2018 Under-20s World Cup final in France.
The blue-and-whites’ latest acquisition said his decision to return to rugby with Cov was based on the extremely positive experience he enjoyed while playing six loan games at the club during the 2021/22 season.
“I really bought into Alex and James Scaysbrook and what they were trying to achieve when I spent some time in Cov on loan from Exeter,” he said.
“Now I’m trying to get back into rugby I immediately thought of Coventry because everyone at the club treated me so well when I was there before.
“I especially remember what a great place the Butts Park Arena is. We played Bedford and won by one or two points in a match that finished with something like 12 against 13 at the end and it was a brilliant atmosphere.”
Hinckley makes no secret of the ambition he is bringing to his new club.
“Firstly, there is no doubt in my mind that I would love to be part of a squad that wins the league,” he said.
“On a personal level I’m looking forward to getting back to playing regular rugby and enjoying it.”
Head coach Alex Rae believes his latest signing will add something really special to his playing group.
“Aaron is a huge talent and ours and his job now is to help him realise that potential.
“When meeting with him the thing that stood out was his enthusiasm and desire to really work hard and kick on.
“He’s got a really good connection with people at the club and were confident we can give him the support and environment to play his best rugby.”
More announcements will follow regarding the make-up of the 2024/25 squad.
Season memberships for 2024/25 are available via this link: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/membership/
