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Coventry sign dual qualified ex-Wasps centre Tommy Matthews

Tommy Matthews of Wasps is tackled by Andy Christie during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and Wasps at StoneX Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Barnet, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Coventry Rugby have added an exciting new face to their squad with the signing of Tommy Mathews from RFU Championship rivals Hartpury.

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The 23-year-old who will hook up with his new club when pre-season commences in early July is able to play at fly half and centre.

According to head coach Alex Rae, Cov’s latest acquisition will add useful skills to the squad.

“Tommy is a young man who’s a really talented footballer but also has a great kicking game,” he said.

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“He’s got plenty of experience at a young age and are really excited to see the further development and growth in his game which will be possible in our environment.”

Former Hartpury student Mathews has the unusual distinction of representing Wales as an under-18 through his Welsh father before going on to play for England during their 2021 under-20s campaign.

His early rugby was played at Petersfield RFC then as part of Gloucester’s junior academy before a stint in Northampton’s senior academy saw him feature in the Championship during loan spells with Bedford Blues, Ampthill and Nottingham.

Tommy Matthews
Tommy Matthews Picture credit – Hartpury RFC
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After a short-term deal as injury cover at Wasps allowed Mathews to play in both the Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership, the Hampshire product returned to Gloucestershire with Hartpury prior to the start of the 2022/23 season.

Since then he has combined studying for the first two years of a degree in strength and conditioning with taking his career senior appearance total into the 80s.

Mathews said he has been drawn to the Butts Park Arena by his new club’s clear ambition.

“The signings Coventry have made this year are very exciting and being part of that is something I’m really looking forward to,” he said.

“They clearly have aspirations to win the Championship and the chance to work alongside their coaching team in that environment is something I couldn’t turn down.”

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J
JW 13 minutes ago
England player ratings vs South Africa | 2024 Autumn Nations Series

As has been the way all year, and for all England's play I can remember. I missed a lot of the better years under Eddie though.


Lets have a look at the LQB for the last few games... 41% under 3 sec compared to 56% last week, 47% in the game you felt England best in against NZ, and 56 against Ireland.


That was my impression as well. Dunno if that is a lack of good counterattack ball from the D, forward dominance (Post Contact Meters stats reversed yesterday compared to that fast Ireland game), or some Borthwick scheme, but I think that has been highlighted as Englands best point of difference this year with their attack, more particularly how they target using it in certain areas. So depending on how you look at it, not necessarily the individual players.


You seem to be falling into the same trap as NZs supporters when it comes to Damien McKenzie. That play you highlight Slade in wasn't one of those LQB situations from memory, that was all on the brilliance of Smith. Sure, Slade did his job in that situation, but Smith far exceeded his (though I understand it was a move Sleightholme was calling for). But yeah, it's not always going to be on a platter from your 10 and NZ have been missing that Slade line, in your example, more often than not too. When you go back to Furbank and Feyi-Waboso returns you'll have that threat again. Just need to generate that ball, wait for some of these next Gen forwards to come through etc, the props and injured 6 coming back to the bench. I don't think you can put Earl back to 7, unless he spends the next two years speeding up (which might be good for him because he's getting beat by speed like he's not used to not having his own speed to react anymore).

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