By Ted Bromwich 
Coventry Rugby can confirm that tighthead prop Harry Seward has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to ongoing concussion complications and unfortunately will no longer be part of Alex Rae’s squad. After 12 appearances for Coventry, Harry has decided the best option is for him to stop playing and concentrate on his recovery.
“Player welfare holds the upmost importance here at Coventry Rugby. We must always look after the person before we consider the player,” CEO of Coventry Rugby, Nick Johnston explains.
“The club has and will continue to do everything it can to support Harry both in his physical recovery and any further professional development going forward. We would like to thank Harry for all his contributions to the rugby club and like all former players, he is welcome back to Butts Park Arena at any time.”
Seward joined Coventry from fellow Championship side, Ealing Trailfinders at the start of the 2022/23 campaign where he played for 3 years whilst also getting some game time on loan at Ampthill.
Words from Harry, “I’d like to thank everyone at Coventry for their support over the past year. Unfortunately, I am unable to get back to playing due to ongoing concussion complications, so the best option is to retire from playing and concentrate on recovering. I will miss playing with the team and wish them all the best in the remaining games of the season as well as wherever rugby takes them next.”
Speaking on the disappointing news, head coach Alex Rae said, “It’s really sad to see Harry have to leave us, he was identified as a player we brought in to be a big part of what we were building. We saw in some of his performances the impact he had on the team.”
Having worked closely with Harry over the last few months head physio Andy Hemming said, “It has been a pleasure to work with Harry over the past couple of seasons. Unfortunately, through injury Harry’s time with us has been cut short, but we hope he is now able to continue his recovery and rehabilitation and we will continue to assist Harry in this as much as we can.”
Coventry Rugby would like to reiterate its continued support for Harry, and despite this being the outcome no parties wanted, Harry will always be a part of the Coventry Rugby family and is always welcome back at the Butts Park Arena.
