Hartpury College stars snapped up by Coventry Rugby.
By Tom Little.
June 27 2013
Coventry Rugby are delighted to confirm that they have signed promising young stars from Hartpury College, namely former Gloucester Rugby and Hartpury College winger Ian Clark and prop forward Chad Thorne for the coming season, thus continuing Coventry Rugby’s avowed aim of getting the correct balance between youth and experience.
Ian Clark, aged 20 was born in Gloucester came to prominence playing for Gloucester in the JP Morgan Asset Management Sevens, whilst attending Hartpury College. Ian made 6 appearances for Premiership side Gloucester Rugby in season 2011/12 scoring 3 tries. Last season, whilst on a dual registered loan from Gloucester to Hartpury College he scored 20 tries in his 20 games for them, as well as appearing for Gloucester Rugby in the Heineken Cup and LV Cup scoring 1 try.
Already proven as a leading try scorer in National League 2 South last season, with a high strike rate, Ian is already renowned for his speed and ability to outpace most competitors thus giving Coventry Rugby a potent attacking weapon.
Chad Thorne, age 23 is mainly a tight head prop forward; he attended the famous Colston’s School in Bristol, and latterly Hartpury College from 2010/13. Starting off his rugby career at Tring, Herts, he then played for Hartpury College in National League 2 South in season 2011/12 making 21 appearances for them and scoring 1 try, last season Chad made 14 appearances. Chad was also in the English Students side last season who beat Portugal in so doing scored the sole winning try.
Both Ian and Chad appeared in the final of the BUCS cup at Twickenham in 2012 helping Hartpury College to win the trophy.
Coventry Rugby are pleased that these two up and coming players have shown their faith in Coventry Rugby with their plans both off and on the field.
Tom Little
Coventry Rugby press office
25th June 2013.
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Or are they older ?
Puzzled
The college side is made up of players studying A Level or equivalent - this is the team Henley-Cov Academy play.
The University side plays in the BUSA league and in the main are students, under 22, plus a few 'mature' studends
The National league side is their top side and is made up of mainly students plus some recruited players.
A number of players from the Uni & League side have 'graduated' to Gloucester Rugby, such as Jonny May, Charlie Sharples, Henry Trinder and Tom Savage
Hope this helps
tom little