WALES international James Geurtjens will become the Bears’ first major signing for their inaugural season in professional rugby league.
The Bears are set to join the Kingstone Press Championship One next year and are busy recruiting new players ahead of their debut campaign.
Prop forward Geurtjens, who was named in Wales’ 2013 World Cup squad, will join from North Devils in Queensland.
And head coach Tom Tsang has revealed the 28-year-old chose to move to Coventry over a number of other clubs.
“I am really excited to be having someone of James’ quality and experience join us for next season,” said Tsang.
“He came highly recommended to us from several sources and after speaking to the player it became clear that he would be a great fit for the club and what we are trying to build.
“James is a hardworking prop and will be a cornerstone of our pack for next season. He is a proven competitor and will be able to use his experience to help our younger forwards develop.
“He had a number of clubs in both League One and Championship interested in him and I believe it is a sign of what we are building in Coventry that he chose to join us in the Midlands.”
The Observer has been told that further signings will be made in the coming weeks.
Tsang added: “We have been working hard since our promotion was announced to build a competitive squad and James is the first of a several players we will be announcing over the coming weeks.”
James himself added: “I am really looking forward to this upcoming season with the Coventry Bears. The club has been very welcoming and professional with all the proceedings and I can’t wait to rip in and have a big year.”
