Coventry Rugby Club eyes investment for Premiership push and stadium upgrades

Coventry Rugby Club is seeking new investment to help the team advance to the Premiership and the development of its stadium.

The club aims to expand its stadium facilities, grow its rugby and netball academies, and increase its social impact within the community.

Led by Coventry-born executive chairman Jon Sharp and supported by more than 50 local business partnerships, the club has consistently performed well in the RFU Championship, regularly finishing in the top three.

Sharp said: “Our ultimate ambition is to secure Premiership status in line with developing the Butts Park Arena into a thriving self-sustaining, multi-purpose facility, delivering long-term benefits to stakeholders old and new and a vibrant B2B community. New investment will support our ambitions and whether from individuals or businesses they can be assured of being an important part of our future journey.

“We are ambitious and we aim to be nothing less than first-class across all our operations at the Butts Park Arena, from rugby and netball to engaging with the business community in Warwickshire and the West Midlands and to continuously expand our excellent community programmes. However, to realise our full potential, it requires a step change which means partners to bring new funds into the club, along with new expertise, energy and commitment.”

A recent RFU review recognised the club’s growth potential. Over the years, the team has seen attendance rise, with an average of 3,000 fans per game, up from just 600 a decade ago.

As part of its future plans, the club intends to expand the Butts Park Arena from its current 5,200 capacity to 10,000, to meet the growing demand.

Another priority is to enhance the stadium facilities and the spectator matchday experience, with plans to improve hospitality, food and beverage outlets, and create new retail spaces.

The club is also exploring the development of affordable housing, addressing a shortage of accommodation for older people in the city, with potential funds directed to future growth.

Off the pitch, Coventry Rugby Club has made an impact in the community, running initiatives like Project 500, which has supported thousands of local children with meals and other services.

The club also works closely with schools to provide rugby education and other community-focused activities.

The Coventry Rugby Academy, launched last year, plans to expand the program to include women’s and girls’ rugby.