Coventry are down to the bare bones...

Centre James Whybrow (hamstring) and full-back Ben Russell, who came off after three minutes of last week’s win over Tynedale, have both been added to an already lengthy list of absentees in the backs with the only glimmer of relief in the possible return of centre James Otutaha, who will be given a late fitness test.

It means a likely recall for Danny Richards, who has been on loan at Broadstreet, with a final decision on the starting XV left until later today.

”We will have to see what we have got left available to us after last night’s training and some fitness checks,” said rugby director Phil Maynard.

Promoted at the end of last season, Ealing have recovered from a mid-season slump and are currently lying second in the National League One table behind leaders Jersey and, six points adrift, still harbouring title hopes. Unbeaten in their last five games, the Londoners have built their success on a free-scoring back division – led by winger Phil Chesters, whose tally for the season of 38 is comfortably the best in the division – allied to a solid pack.

Click here for more on this article.