By Sian Haynes 
Coventry Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of centre Tom Hitchcock on loan from fellow Championship side Ealing Trailfinders for the rest of the 2023/24 season.
The 24-year-old is one of the top prospects to come out of the prestigious Exeter University pipeline, having helped his collegian team to a first Super Rugby National Championship in six years back in 2022 whilst also mixing it with Rob Baxter’s Exeter side in the Premiership Cup.
Tom was one of the unfortunate members of the London Irish squad last year when the former Premiership side went into administration. However, it wasn’t long until the powerful 12/13 was offered a fresh opportunity in the shape of London based Ealing Trailfinders.
Hitchcock made the move to W13 ahead of the current 2023/24 campaign and will be spending the remainder of the season at Butts Park Arena in blue and white.
Head coach Alex Rae is looking forward to getting his hands on the exciting centre. “It’s great to bring Tom in for the rest of the season, we’ve been looking for the right person since we lost Will (Rigg)”.
“He first caught my eye playing BUCS, Tom and Will Rigg were the best two centres that year. He’s got some qualities we really like in a centre and I’m sure he’ll flourish and enjoy himself here.”
On signing the loan agreement with Coventry, Hitchcock said: “I’m really excited to get started here at Coventry.”
“I’ve heard some great things about the club, both in terms of its environment and its coaching personnel, so I’m really looking forward to working with them all and developing my game.”
“I already know a few boys from previous clubs, so I’m feeling nice and settled already. I hope I can add to the already impressive attacking threats that Coventry possess with my ball carrying and distribution, and hopefully I can play as many games here as possible.”
Everyone associated with Coventry would like to wish Tom a very warm welcome to the BPA, and we can’t to see what he can achieve in blue and white.
Welcome, Tom!
