Coventry Telegraph

Chester draws closer to first start after Tiki blow

- By PAUL SMITH

COVENTRY will be without influentia­l No.8 Senitiki Nayalo for tomorrow’s Championsh­ip clash with Bedford Blues (Butts Park Arena, 3pm).

The British Army back-rower was forced from the pitch during the first half of last Sunday’s win at Nottingham following a blow to the head.

As a result, too little time remains for Nayalo to complete the return-toplay protocols which protect players who suffer concussion.

According to head coach Alex Rae, although a few others picked up knocks, his No.8 is the only certain absentee from the squad that performed so well at Lady Bay.

“Tiki is struggling because the protocols mean he needs more than a six-day turnaround so he misses out,” Cov’s boss said.

“We got a few other bumps and bruises at Nottingham so we’ve had to nurse a few through training this week as a result.

“One or two won’t have done much before Saturday but it’s that stage of the season when the big picture takes over. While we want to train well in the week it’s all about getting them right for Saturday.”

Nayalo’s early departure at Nottingham gave 20-year-old Chester Owen a chance to impress and he took it with both hands in scoring two of his club’s eight tries including a memorable 40-metre solo effort.

And according to Cov’s head coach, the former Leicester Academy backrower is therefore a possible starter against Bedford.

“Chester has done really well over the last few weeks,” Rae said.

“He has progressed really quickly and already looks like an accomplish­ed Championsh­ip No.8 who moves well with ball in hand despite being a big lump.

“He’s quickly gone from 15 minutes at the end to playing a half then last week being on the pitch for over an hour.

“The next stage for him is being there from the start and having that different feeling of being fatigued.

“When that chance comes along it will be a test for him but I’m sure he’ll flourish.”

In an attempt to assist their squad’s physical preparatio­ns Rae revealed that Cov have this week taken the unusual step of hiring in a mobile cryochambe­r.

He said: “Nick Johnston (Coventry’s CEO) suggested we should use a cryochambe­r this week as we have a shorter-than-usual six-day turnaround and it helps the players with recovery.

“It came to the Butts on Wednesday and everyone went in.

“It hopefully shows the boys we’re looking after them and it brings some benefits. “The chamber goes down to minus 120 degrees and if the players come out feeling better about themselves then it’s a win for everyone.” Tickets for Coventry’s home game against Bedford are available from www.cov entryrugby.co.uk n Male rugby players around the

Coventry and Warwickshi­re club scene are being given the opportunit­y to be part of the 2024 County Championsh­ip when the historic competitio­n gets under way next month.

Warwickshi­re launch their qualificat­ion campaign with a trip to Oundle to face East Midlands in early May, then host Eastern Counties at Broadstree­t and travel to Chipping Norton to play Oxfordshir­e on consecutiv­e Saturdays.

After these three pool stage games the competitio­n’s knock-out stages ultimately end with two counties making a Twickenham final appearance on Saturday, June 15.

In preparatio­n for the campaign, county chairman Steve Wilkes issued a rallying call asking players to get involved.

“Any player who was born in Warwickshi­re, lives in the county or plays at a Warwickshi­re club below level five is eligible,” he said.

“Our preparatio­n begins on the evening of Tuesday, April 23 with a training session at Broadstree­t RFC then continues each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.’’

Anyone interested in representi­ng Warwickshi­re should make contact with Steve on 07355 045224.

When that chance comes along it will be a test for him but I’m sure he’ll flourish. Alex Rae on young backrower Chester Owen

 ?? Photo: John Coles ?? Senitiki Nayalo in action prior to his injury at Nottingham on Sunday.
Photo: John Coles Senitiki Nayalo in action prior to his injury at Nottingham on Sunday.

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