Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Record Canadian points scorer James Pritchard is leaving long-time club Bedford Blues to join Coventry for the 2016-17 season. The 36-year-old fullback has been used as an academy coach for the Blues this season but has seen limited on-field action, appearing in only three games with none since November. It had been presumed that he would join the Bedford staff full-time next year, but will instead move to pastures new and assume a senior player-coach role with Coventry in National One.
Pritchard originally joined Bedford in 2001, and after a two-year hiatus with Plymouth Albion, Northampton, and Perpignan, returned in 2006 and has remained at the club since. He represented the Barbarians in April and was awarded a club testimonial in May, and participated in his fourth World Cup after a late call-up from Canada. He announced his international retirement following the competition, winning his 62nd and final cap against Romania at Leicester City Stadium.
Coventry have announced an all-new coaching staff along with Pritchard, who will act as defense and kicking coach. Director of Rugby Rowland Winter will also have former Leicester prop Boris Stankovich, London Welsh lock Brendon Snyman, and Irish utility back Brendan Burke guiding his young squad. The West Midlands club are currently in 10th spot on the 16-team National One table.
