Coventry land trio
Coventry Bears have signed Liam Rice-Wilson, Callum Bradbury and Charlie Clarke for the 2018 season.
On half-back Rice-Wilson, Bears coach Tom Tsang said: “I am pleased that Liam has signed with us for 2018. He is a current student international player for Wales and is also in the running to be selected for the Wales Under-23s side that will play in the Commonwealth Games.
“He attended our trial day in October last year and showed he clearly has ability and a lot of potential. Since then, he has trained with us and his work ethic and professional attitude have really shone through.
“As a hooker or half-back, stepping up into a League 1 squad and in such a key position, it can be sometimes be difficult, but he has really asserted himself into the team and has quickly become well liked. He will need to continue to improve, especially on the physical side but I am positive that he will be a great asset to us in 2018.”
On forward Bradbury, Tsang said: “Callum hails from Wolverhampton, played for the Bears in the NCL in 2014, before moving to Gloucester to study at University.
“While at University he was part of the Gloucestershire All Golds training squad and represented the student team, but didn’t cement himself as a regular in the League One team.
“Bradbury, who plays prop or second-row attended our trials in October last year and alongside a number of other players has been training in the hope of earning a contract, which he has done. He is an aggressive ball carrier and good talker in defence. I want Callum to keep working hard and improving so he can force his way into the starting 17.”
On centre Clarke, Tsang said: “Charlie is a centre hailing from Nottingham and was junior at the Nottingham Outlaws as well as a member of the Midlands Hurricanes Academy before starting studying at Loughborough University.
“He attended our trial day and was among eight players who we offered an extended trial through preseason training.
“Since then, he has already shown great improvement and worked very hard to display his ability, fitting into the squad well.
“As a player he runs intelligent lines, has good footwork and is in shape. He has much to learn still and playing at League 1 will be a big step up for him but if he keeps buying into how we do things he will be great value for us.”