Coventry Rugby Club have stregthened their squad with the signing of two half-backs, South African Colin Campbell who has played for Western Transvaal and young England fly-half Jamie Elphick from Bedford.

Campbell, 28, is already familiar with Coundon Road as he played a couple of games for Coventry at Extras level last season.

Coventry’s rugby administrator Ian Carvell said:

"Colin went to play in the USA before returning to have a few games for Nuneaton at the end of last season. Harry Roberts, our new coach, rates him very highly and believes he is more than capable of playing at this level."

Jamie Elphick played for England U19’s last season in the Junior World Cup and has had Premiership One experience with three full and six sub appearances for Bedford. The fly-half also played twice in European Shield matches.

Ian Carvell said:

"Jamie is coming to study at Birmingham University and four other senior sides wanted him but he has chosen us."

Jamie Elphick added:

"I am pleased to come to Coventry. I want first-team rugby with a progressive club and I regard Coventry as just that. I know I can fulfil my potential and Coventry is a great club where I can do just that. I was offered a chance to go to a Premiership One club, but I believe Coventry is the right choice."

Coventry are also giving fly-half / full-back John Wilmer from Northampton a month’s trial. John has played at all levels for Northampton from Youth to first-team. A serious leg injury in 1996 blighted his progress but now back to full fitness, John comes with recommendations from Ian McGeechan and Martin Bayfield.

Ian Carvell explained:

"John wants to see what he can do at Coventry and is keen to play at first-team level. We will give John the opportunity to impress in our pre-season matches. He knows opportunities are limited at Saints and, hopefully, if things work out he will be with us on a more permanent basis."

Spokesperson Carvell continued:

"We are still talking to a few more players and are close to completing terms with two more. There are lots of players with impressive CV’s, but when you look closely, or have seen them play in most cases, we have better players here already.

"We still have a lot of local players and we will always want that. We are also looking to bring our own local development players through over the next couple of seasons. Here at Coundon Road we now believe we can challenge for the title and will be concentrating on our pre-season preparations."