COVENTRY
2007/08 matches v Saints:
At Franklin’s Gardens: Saturday, November 24th, 2007; (2pm)
At Butts Park Arena: Saturday, April 5th, 2008; (2:30pm)

Website: www.coventryrugby.co.uk
Address: Butts Park Arena, The Butts, Coventry. CV6 3GE
Tel: 0871 750 9100
Directions

Last match v Saints: Pilkington Cup (91/92) Saints won 31-7 (a)
06/07 NL1 final position: 10th (12 wins; 2 draws; 16 losses; 569 points scored; 745 points conceded; 13 bonus points)

It’s been all change at the Butts Park Arena this close season as Coventry look to improve on last season’s final NL1 position of 10th. Coach Murray Henderson has reinvigorated his squad, bringing in 15 new players. Permanent signings Logonaitage Kirisome (centre – former North Harbour), David Maddocks (prop – Bath) Jamie Millar (back row – Bath), Laurie McGlone (No 8 – former Tasman) are supplemented by the loans of Greg Gillanders and Vavae Tuilagi from Leicester, and former Saint Ben Russell has signed a new two-year contract. Historically Coventry is one of the biggest clubs in England, and with their city centre-based Butts Park Arena still only three years old Premiership rugby remains the ambition.

NEWBURY BLUES
2007/08 matches v Saints:
At Franklin’s Gardens: Saturday, December 1st, 2007; (3pm)
At Monks Lane: Saturday, April 19th, 2008; (3pm – TBC)

Website: www.newburyrfc.co.uk
Address: Monks Lane, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 7RW
Tel: 0870 753 7773
Directions

Last match v Saints: n/a
06/07 NL1 final position: 11th (11 wins; 19 losses; 661 points scored; 774 points conceded; 13 bonus points)

Newbury approach the 2007/08 season with confidence having achieved their best ever league finish last term. It was the Blues’ second season in National League 1 having won promotion in 2005, and the club are now looking to consolidate their position in English rugby’s second tier over the coming few years. Season-long loans have been agreed with Bristol for two props – Mark Irish and Wayne Thompson – and the signings of players such as former Bristol and Harlequins centre Andy Reay and Cornish Pirates winger Jonny Hylton (who has had spells at Wasps and Worcester) can only help with this aim. There is also a new man at the helm at Monks Lane in the shape of Chris Dossett, who has stepped up from assistant coach and a tough pre-season in the shape of the Ospreys and Wasps. Newbury are also one of several NL1 clubs that has a thriving minis and youth section and the club runs a total of 18 sides, including a women’s team.

LAUNCESTON (CORNISH ALL BLACKS)
2007/08 matches v Saints:
At Polson Bridge: Saturday, December 8th, 2007; (2:30pm)
At Franklin’s Gardens: Saturday, April 26th, 2008; (3pm)

Website: www.cornishallblacks.co.uk
Address: Polson Bridge, Launceston, Cornwall. PL15 9QU
Tel: 01566 773406
Directions

Last match v Saints: n/a
06/07 NL2 final position: 2nd (19 wins; 1 draw; 6 losses; 795 points scored; 448 points conceded; 18 bonus points)

Having pipped Henley by a solitary point in securing promotion from National League 2 last season, Launceston face a baptism of fire in NL1 with a derby against their Cornish rivals the Pirates. Achieving a place in the league is the culmination of a decade of hard work that has seen Launceston slowly rise through the ranks from South-West Division 1 through the national leagues. However they aren’t looking to return in a hurry and will hope that the signings of England 7s player Tony Roques, Dan Manns and Stuart Alred (on a season-long loan) from Exeter, hooker Neil Clark from Bath (although he will be at the Rec during the World Cup) and Jon Fabian from Plymouth can help the Cornish All Blacks secure their place in NL1. Launceston will want this sewn up before the last match of the season however – their final game is at Franklin’s Gardens.