By Paul Smith 
Impressive centre Tom Hitchcock and powerful second row Rhys Anstey have become Coventry Rugby players for 2024/25.
Both players became popular figures at the Butts Park Arena during the season just finished while on loan from Ealing.
And as a result head coach Alex Rae has moved quickly to sign them on permanent deals ahead of Cov’s 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Welsh lock Anstey who originally moved across the Severn from Cardiff to join Ealing has made 20 appearances for Coventry this season.
The 22-year-old said the decision to sign a Coventry contract was an easy one.
“All the boys and the coaches have been very welcoming since I arrived here from Ealing and I’m really happy to play another year in front of the wonderful Butts Park supporters,” he said.
“I’m hoping to play my best rugby and with the team having done so well this year to clinch a top-three finish I’m hoping we can at least repeat that next season.”
Hitchcock arrived at the BPA after Will Rigg made the step to the Premiership with Exeter and has since played five games scoring three tries. He previously joined Ealing following the collapse of London Irish.
The centre said he has settled quickly at Coventry following the disruption caused by the Exiles going under.
“I’ve been at Cov since February and everyone has been really welcoming,” he said.
“I really think I can develop my career here as part of a fantastic team with some outstanding players and coaches.
“Cov has a proper club feel to it and the fans are great – playing in front of crowds the size we get here is amazing and I’m really looking forward to next season.”
Rae believes both players will flourish over the coming months and years with Coventry.
“We’re really happy to have Tom on board,” he said. “He’s had a really rough 12 months in the rugby world with none of it being his own doing.
“We quickly saw some love and being in a really good environment brought out the best of him and there’s still so much more room for growth.
“We’re really happy to turn Rhys into a Coventry player. He’s been brilliant around the place, works really hard and has a huge amount of potential.
“Hopefully he’s now found a home, with support and time put into him he will really kick on.”
Season memberships for 2024/25 are available via this link: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/membership/
