Cambridge Rugby have completed their squad for their upcoming Championship season with new additions Eli Caven and Logan Noble joining the back three.
Of his new signings, Head Coach Richie Williams said; “The last piece of our playing jigsaw is the back 3. We have added to our depth with the signings of Eli Caven from Glasgow Warriors and 18-year-old Logan Noble who we have signed from Newcastle Falcons Academy. We have also retained players Joe Tarrant, Joe Green, Kwaku Asiedu and Rian Hamilton for next season.”
“Our first new signing in the back three is Eli Caven who joins us from Scottish Super 6 team, Ayrshire Bulls. Eli made his first Pro 14 appearance last season for Glasgow Warriors, scoring on debut out in South Africa.
“Prior to playing in Scotland, Eli played at both Bristol Bears and Hartpury College. He is a fantastic athlete that can cover across the back three and has been a standout player up in Scotland for the last two seasons. He is also a proven goal kicker who will bring even more X-Factor to our back three.”
Of his move to Cambridge; Caven said;
“Having spent three seasons in Scotland, I’m excited to get myself back into the competitive season that is the Championship. It’s exciting with the opportunity of joining the Premiership Cup. Cambridge have put a great foundation in place with players and staff, and I can’t wait to get amongst it.”
Also joining the blood and sand for the season ahead is Logan Noble who has just completed his studies in renowned rugby school, Barnard Castle, where he was also a part of the Newcastle Falcons Academy. He has also represented Scotland at age grade level.
“Peterborough born Logan can cover both midfield and wing and we look forward to seeing his physical and mental growth at the club.”
Caven and Noble join up with Cambridge stalwart Joe Tarrant who returns for season number four;
“Since shifting from fly half, Joe Tarrant has become one of the stand-out back three players in the National leagues. He has amassed 69 games and has brought a superb level of consistency over the past three seasons.
“His bravery and accuracy under the high ball has been one of his key non negotiables, as has been his ability to ignite the back three with his creativity. His game will lend itself beautifully to the Championship.” said Williams.
Crowd favourite Kwaku Asiedu returns after a decorated season in 2022-23 that saw him top the try scoring table for National One;
“33 try scoring hero Kwaku Asiedu needs little to no introduction. It was a pleasure watching him grow in confidence last season and become a really polished winger. He has worked hard on some aspects of his game and is a natural try scorer. He will be looking for another positive season to back up the success of last season.”
24-year-old Joe Green is busy preparing for season number 6 at the club and is looking forward to a new challenge;
“Each of the five seasons I have played at the club have been better and better. I look forward to this being the case this season.”
Williams spoke highly of Green’s input to the side’s league winning season;
“Joe Green finished last season in fine form scoring a brace of tries in our final day victory against Birmingham Moseley. His work rate and number of involvements were a key feature in our attack DNA last season, as was his improved work in the air. He is another player that has gained valuable Championship experience during his time at Bedford Blues.”
The final piece to complete William’s side is Rian Hamilton who returns for season number two;
“Rian Hamilton goes into his 2nd season at the club after joining last season from National 2 North team, Wharfedale. Rian started the season in fine form showing his pace and try scoring ability with some notable tries at home against Sale FC and away at Darlington Mowden Park. It will be good to see how he makes the transition into the Championship.”
Today’s announcement completes Cambridge’s line-up for the 2023-24 season and with the team’s first pre-season clash set to take place this afternoon at Carmarthen Quins, the squad are busy preparing for the impending season.
Fans can witness the new look squad in action on Saturday 26 August at home to Chinnor in the second of their pre-season clashes. Tickets are on sale now via our website.
2023-24 Squad
Props
Seb Brownhill
Matt Collins
Jake Ellwood
Harry Morley
Billy Walker
Hookers
Ben Brownlie
Corey Lewis
Willie Priestley
Morgan Veness
Second Row
Gareth Baxter
Kieran Frost
Matt Waring
Back Row
Ben Adams
George Bretag-Norris
Jared Cardew
Matt Dawson
Benji Hoppe
Anthony Maka
Noah Sloot
Archie Strath
Half-Backs
Toby Dabell
Kieran Duffin
Jed Gelderbloom
Steffan James
Lawrence Rayner
Centres
Sam Hanks
Matt Hema
Tom Hoppe
Scott Lloyd
Matty Williams
Back Three
Kwaku Asiedu
Eli Caven
Joe Green
Rian Hamilton
Logan Noble
Joe Tarrant