Coventry Rugby v London Irish: Heath Stevens leads experienced Cov line-up

Heath Stevens returns to Coventry Rugby’s starting line-up to face London Irish at the Butts Park Arena tomorrow (3pm kick off).

He also captains the side from the No.13 shirt, where he operates alongside midfield partner Sam Tuitupou.

As a result, the versatile Andy Bulumakau moves to the right wing and joins James Stokes and David Halaifonua in a pacy back three.

Tom Kessell and Pete White rotate starting and bench scrum half roles, as do hookers Phil Nilsen and Scott Tolmie.

And Winter introduces the experience of Tongan international Latu Makaafi at blindside flanker alongside countryman Jack Ram and Adam Peters.

Rowland Winter said:

“London Irish will be a tough test for us, the squad depth and the playing talent they have is undeniable.

“We’re very much looking forward to the challenge of testing ourselves against one of the best teams in the league – it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase on and off the pitch exactly what our rugby club is all about.

“We have rotated the squad in a number of positions, and with David Halaifonua back fit have switched round the back three.”

Coventry Rugby:

15 James Stokes

14 Andy Bulumaku

13 Heath Stevens

12 Sam Tuitupou

11 David Halaifonua

10 Jake Sharp

9 Tom Kessel

1 James Gibbons

2 Phil Nilsen

3 Charlie Beech

4 Tom Jubb

5  James Voss

6 Latu Makaafi

7 Jack Ram

8 Adam Peters

Replacements:

16. Scott Tolmie
17. Luc Jeannot
18. Cameron Gray
19. Jack Preece
20. Pete White
21. Tony Fenner
22. Rob Knox

Advanced tickets for the IPA Greene King Championship clash, preferentially priced at £18 (seated), £15 (standing) and £2 (ages three to 16) are available before 4pm today from the Butts Park Arena ticket office on 02476 231001.

Entry without an advanced ticket is also available on the gate.