Ipswich Tru7 Group Witches have opted against moving forward with the signing of Edward Kennett to give Swedish star Philip Hellstrom-Bangs the best opportunity to make a swift racing return.
The Witches initially announced Kennett’s signature on a 28-day contract, with Hellstrom-Bangs set to return to the team following this period.
Kennett was expected to practise at Foxhall following last Thursday’s meeting with Northampton, but did not take the opportunity. He also didn’t appear for a session at Lydd on Sunday, where team manager Paul Hurry was running a training school, prompting the Witches to re-assess their options.
Redcar star Jake Mulford will guest in place of Hellstrom-Bangs for Thursday’s Rowe Motor Oil Premiership match with Sheffield at Foxhall.
Hellstrom-Bangs is currently absent from the sport due to illness, but the Witches hope to have more information on whether he will be declared fit to resume racing very soon and, on reflection, the club has opted to give the Swede the chance to prove his fitness before ruling him out for a further month.
Witches chairman Richard Coleman said: “Had we gone ahead with Edward’s signature, it would have ruled Philip out of the team for the full 28-day period.
“Given that he has now been absent since the beginning of May, we are keen to help him resume racing as quickly as possible to ensure he is in the best possible form for the crucial summer months and has time to get accustomed to the Premiership tracks.
“We signed Philip in the belief that he could be a real trump card for us at reserve, and we still believe there is plenty more to come from him this season.
“We were also somewhat surprised that Edward did not take the opportunity to practise at Foxhall last week and missed a further opportunity at Lydd on Sunday. This prompted us to reflect on the move, and we have gone with Jake Mulford as a guest against Sheffield to cover for Philip. We thank him for stepping in.
“We wish Edward all the best as he makes his return to the sport with Oxford, and we are pleased to see him back on track with them.”
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