Coventry Rugby submit Premiership application for 2025/26

Coventry Rugby have formally applied for promotion to the Premiership for the 2025/26 season, the club confirmed.

The club’s bid will be reviewed and audited by the league in January.

To secure a place in the top-flight English rugby union division, Coventry must finish at the top of the Championship and win a two-legged play-off against the Premiership’s bottom team.

Additionally, the club must meet off-field criteria outlined by the RFU and Premiership Rugby, covering facilities and financial standards.

Despite ongoing scrutiny of the regulations, Coventry’s Executive Chair Jon Sharp emphasised the club’s commitment to pursuing promotion. He noted that potential legal challenges could impact the process but reaffirmed the Midlands club’s determination to proceed with the application.

Founded 150 years ago, Coventry Rugby is the city’s oldest senior sports club and has a strong community focus.

“Someone told me recently that we’re one of the West Midlands’ best-kept secrets,” said Nick Johnston, CEO of Coventry Rugby.

“We would very much like to lose that tag and we believe applying for and hopefully getting promotion to the Premiership will do that.

“With the support of our local authorities we can develop the Butts Park Arena into something which gives a big boost to the regeneration of Spon End, assists those needing supported living and also creates a Premiership-standard venue which is fit for purpose.

“Everyone is aware of the financial problems that have seen four prominent English clubs fail in recent years.

“Getting the right financial structures behind our business is clearly of vital importance and to this end we set up an investment panel earlier in the year to facilitate our growth strategy.”

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