Coventry Bears continue to strengthen their squad and are pleased to announce the SIGNING OF star Australian second row or centre Paul Ivan.
Ivan, who is 27 and of Dutch descent, will add further depth and experience at the Butts Park Arena having played Rugby League for Brisbane Broncos and over 100 Queensland Cup games for the famous Redcliffe Dolphins club.
The capture of Ivan is testament to the hard work and ambition of the Coventry Bears staff and head coach Tom Tsang believes the acquisition is evidence of the quality of what the West Midlands club is building.
"Paul is a player we have been in contact with for a while now and we are overjoyed to have confirmed his signing." said Tsang.
"We wanted to add a bit more size to our pack and at 6ft 5in and 17 Stone, Paul certainly fits that criteria. He is a big guy but from what we have seen also very mobile and skilful meaning he can play in the back-row as well as centre.
"He has spent time at some very prestigious organisations including NRL club Brisbane Broncos where he was very close to breaking into the NRL side. He has a heap of experience having played several seasons at Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup.
"As Paul's Grandparents are from Holland, he is eligible to apply for a Dutch passport and he is currently working through that process to allow him a work permit to play in the UK. We can’t wait for Paul to arrive and link up with the squad - he will be a big presence in all meanings of the word.
Ivan is currently playing for Limoux in the French Elite 1 competition and will join the Bears as soon as his commitments in France are concluded but is looking forward to a move to Coventry and playing in the Kingstone Press League One.
"I am excited about joining the Bears and being a part of the club's historical first season. I have seen that the league has been re-structured and it will be great to be part of a new era for Rugby League in the UK."