Rugby star launches coffee venture
Sale Sharks rugby player and former club captain David Seymour has launched wholesale and retail coffee business called Couch Grind Coffee.
The 32-year-old is aiming to create a ‘starting 15’ of coffee blends which he plans to sell to restaurants, bars and hotels.
Three completed blends are available to purchase on the company’s website and will go on sale from a Couch Grind Coffee van in Spinningfields from mid-June.
Manchester city centre resident Seymour, who plays as flanker for Sale Sharks, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the business just six or so months after I registered Couch Grind Coffee as the name of the company.
“Our three current blends No.7, No.10 and No.13 were on sale from our van inside the AJ Bell Stadium during Sale Sharks’ final game of the season against Bath on Saturday. The feedback from fans and staff at the club was fantastic which gives me a lot of encouragement as we look to grow and get the brand name out to people passing through Spinningfields from June 15th onwards.”
The former Saracens player, who has just completed his 13th year in professional rugby, said he was inspired to plan for life after rugby by former Sale Sharks teammate Chris Cusiter, who is now heavily involved in the whisky business in California.
Seymour also said Couch Grind Coffee’s name refers loosely to rugby – but was ultimately a fluke.
“I feel fortunate to have an opportunity to develop this business while I’m still a rugby player,” he said.
“Chris Cusiter was my inspiration if you like as he’s had success following rugby after going into an area that he is passionate about.
“I want to follow that but in the coffee world. As it stands we’re on track to have that ‘starting 15’ of blends, which we want to sell to restaurants and hotels. From there the plan is to one day hopefully have a coffee shop of our own.”
On the name of the business Seymour said: “When you have a scrum in rugby, there’s a phrase which describes techniques used called ‘crouch bind set’.
“When I told my girlfriend the name might be Crouch Bind Coffee, she thought I’d said Couch Grind Coffee, so we just went with that as it was the subtle link I wanted and has a relaxing feel to it.”
Seymour, who has represented England Sevens, winning a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, has played for England under 21s and England Saxons after starting his career aged just five at Chinnor Rugby Club.
He said: “I’m finding out about the ‘real world’ which is what me and my teammates at Sale call it. There’s so much paperwork and admin, but it’s exciting and something I’m enjoying.
“I’ve known people who have had to retire through injury, and they therefore had no chance to plan for life after rugby.
“I feel lucky to have this chance and am looking forward to seeing how the three months go when the van arrives in Spinningfields from June 15.
“I really believe that in life you get out what you put in. This is a massive challenge for me but one I’m looking forward to tackling head on. My approach will be the same as my approach to rugby – hard work and determination.”
