Rugby Union
New signings are backed by coach Addleton

Buy photos » James Whybrow scored on his debut for Coventry on Saturday. (s)

FORWARDS coach Dave Addleton is confident recent signings James Otutaha and James Whybrow will bring some much-needed experience to Coventry Rugby Club's injury-hit first team.

The Blue & Whites are currently without the services of several first team stars including Sam Herrington, Mark O'Connor and Andy Murray.

But New Zealander Otutaha, 28, and Birminghma-born 20-year-old Whybrow, signed on a dual registration from Worcester Academy, have both been drafted in and made their debuts in the 35-27 defeat to Cambridge.

Addleton said: "They both made an immediate impact at the weekend. Both players are very good and will help us this season.

"Whybrow is a good ball winner while Otutaha has played at rugby league level and will bring some experience to our young side.

"We have been dealt a bad hand in recent weeks with injuries and that is starting to show, but having said that if we had taken our chances we would have won at Cambridge.

"We are down to the bare bones. We now have a week off where we can access the injury situation and see how we can cope.

"It was good to see Jeff Gregson back in action. He knows he is probably not up to full speed but we are all delighted to have him back in the team."

Turn inside to read Gregson's reaction to his much anticipated return.