Pertemps Bees have pulled off a m ajor coup by securing the services of stand-out flanker Cae Trayhern for the 2006-07 campaign.

Trayhern, who was airlifted to hospital during Saturday's loss to Otley, has been one of the best players in National One this season and has produced a string of outstanding displays in a struggling side.

That had led to speculation that he would move on to a bigger club during the summer and so his decision to remain at Sharmans Cross Road comes as a major boost to director of rugby, Phil Maynard.

As does the news that Trayhern was released from hospital on Saturday night with little more than a whip-lash injury. He will undergo cognitive tests this week but is extremely doubtful for this weekend's match with Rotherham.

Maynard is interpreting Trayhern's decision as a vote of confidence for his plans to develop the Solihull side into a team that can hold its own in the First Division.

"Cae has been one of the most consistent players in National One," Maynard said. "Most people said we would not keep him so it is indicative of the things we have in the pipeline.

"He is a quality player who always puts in 100 per cent and one that we really wanted to keep."

For his part Trayhern was delighted to extend his stay in the Midlands for another year. "I have really enjoyed it here this season," Trayhern said.

"It's like a breath of fresh air compared to playing for some Welsh sides. There's always politics in Wales but I find I can come up here, play and train and be kept away from all that.

"When I was captain of Pontypool and with the Drag-ons for a couple of weeks there was always something going on in the background. There are always issues, everyone's got an opinion.

"In the English game you don't get that. The players get a chance to express themselves and don't have to worry about what's going on in the background. It's a better, more positive vibe."

The dynamic openside is just one of nine Bees players on the injury list, with eight of them unlikely to make the trip to South Yorkshire.

Prop Jason Hobson is definitely out of the game with concussion and eight other players are rated as extremely doubtful.

Flanker Duncan White and hooker Matt Miles missed the 33-12 reverse to Otley, with their respective shin and ankle problems, as did Dave Knight who failed to return from a shoulder injury.

Centres Adam Billig and Simon Martin, and wingers Tom Beim and Nick Baxter are also labouring with fitness problems.

All will have fitness tests at training this week as will centre Mike Davies who suffered cuts in the same game.

"It looks like we are going to be severely depleted, particularly in the backs," Maynard said. "Apart from Mike Davies, most of the other injured players I would rate as no better than 50-50. The medical staff have been kept very busy recently and they may have to patch people up again this week to make sure we can get a side out."

Meanwhile, Coventry's back-row forward, Tom Johnson, has signed to stay at the Butts Park Arena for at least another season.

The 23-year-old has impressed with his dynamism and pace after making the step up from Reading last summer.

For forward coach Dave Addleton it represents a coup to have held on to one of the hottest properties. "His commitment and attitude are second to none," Addleton said. "On numerous occasions he has stepped up to the plate and led from the front, we have done very well to hold on to him."