The Blue-and-Whites head into the fixture having begun their pre-season preparations with a victory over RGC in North Wales last weekend, and Friday’s clash provides one final opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of the new Elior Champ Rugby campaign.

The fixture will also be a first-ever meeting between Coventry Rugby and Ospreys, adding further intrigue to the final pre-season test.

A strong squad named for the final test

Alex Rae has named a squad featuring a blend of established first-team players, new arrivals and emerging talent, with Jordon Poole once again leading the side from the front row.

The starting XV sees Aristot Benz-Salomon, Poole and Jonny Benz-Salomon form the front row, while Senitiki Nayalo partners Rhys Fulford in the second row.

The back row is made up of Tom Ball, Morgan Strong and Rhys Tait, before Sam Maunder and Bruce Houston link up at half-back.

In the midfield, Api Bavadra and Joe Margetts begin their partnership, with Jack Reeves, Alex Garrett and Tom Bacon completing the starting back three.

Starting XV

1. Aristot Benz-Salomon
2. Jordon Poole (C)
3. Jonny Benz-Salomon
4. Senitiki Nayalo
5. Rhys Fulford
6. Tom Ball
7. Morgan Strong
8. Rhys Tait
9. Sam Maunder
10. Bruce Houston
11. Jack Reeves
12. Api Bavadra
13. Joe Margetts
14. Alex Garrett
15. Tom Bacon

New arrival Asomua included

One of the notable selections comes among the finishers, with Suetena Asomua included in the matchday squad following his arrival at Coventry last week.

The powerful tighthead joined the Blue-and-Whites ahead of the new campaign and will have the opportunity to make his first appearance for the club after joining the squad during the opening stages of pre-season.

His inclusion provides another important option in the front row as Coventry continue to build their squad ahead of the Elior Champ Rugby campaign.

Sullivan returns to the squad

There is also a welcome return for Peter Sullivan, who is named among the finishers for the first-team group.

Sullivan spent time on the sidelines with injury last season, and his return to the matchday squad marks an important step in his recovery and progression back into first-team action.

His availability adds further depth to Coventry’s options as the Blue-and-Whites prepare for the demands of the season ahead.

Stanton-Ford continues to impress

There is another opportunity for Coby Stanton-Ford, who continues his development from Coventry Rugby’s U23 pathway after impressing during last weekend’s victory over RGC.

Stanton-Ford was among the players to step up into the senior group for the trip to North Wales, and his inclusion again underlines the opportunities available to Coventry’s emerging talent.

His progression will be one to watch as he continues to gain experience alongside the first-team squad.

Finishers

16. Tumy Onasanya
17. Murray Davidson
18. Ethan Hunt
19. Suetena Asomua
20. Dan Green
21. Mackenzie Graham
22. Sam Harding
23. Marcus Rhodes
24. Matt McNab
25. Josh Barton
26. Tommy Mathews
27. Dafydd-Rhys Tiueti
28. Peter Sullivan
29. Tom Miles
30. Keston Lines
31. Coby Stanton-Ford

Friday’s meeting with Ospreys represents Coventry’s final competitive preparation before the 2026/27 Elior Champ Rugby campaign gets underway, giving Rae and his coaching staff a final chance to assess the squad against high-quality opposition.

The Ospreys fixture was confirmed as part of Coventry’s 2026/27 pre-season schedule and is the first meeting between the two clubs. Gates open at 5pm, with kick-off at 7:30pm. 

Tickets available for this highly anticipated match below