Exeter Face Relegation Threat as Championship Leaders Push for Promotion
12/04/2024 10:14 AM
Coventry Rugby have officially thrown their hat in the ring for a coveted Gallagher Premiership spot, confirming their promotion application has been submitted this week.
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The bid will undergo rigorous review and auditing in January 2025, with a two-pronged battle awaiting them on the pitch: securing top spot in the Championship and outclassing the Premiership’s bottom club, currently Exeter Chiefs, in a two-legged play-off.
“Off-field tests loom large”
It's not just about the rugby. To dine at English rugby's top table, Coventry must meet stringent ground and financial standards set by the RFU and Premiership Rugby Ltd. The Butts Park Arena-based club faces intense scrutiny, but executive chair Jon Sharp remains undeterred.
“Challenging the system”
Sharp hinted at potential legal challenges to the criteria but emphasized the club’s unwavering ambition:
"As the West Midlands' highest-ranked club, we must make our ambition clear. We'll do whatever it takes to bring Premiership Rugby to Coventry."
Key to this plan is backing from Coventry City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, with Sharp optimistic about their role in securing planning permissions to meet Premiership ground capacity standards.
“Building a legacy”
Sharp unveiled a vision to transform the Butts Park Arena into a bustling destination hub:
"Our goal is financial independence through diverse revenue streams. The Butts will host top-level sport, concerts, and cultural events, making it a cornerstone of the community."
Can Coventry Rugby turn ambition into reality? January’s audit will be their first test in a journey to the Premiership.
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NAME EVERY PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CLUB:
London Welsh were the last new team to play in the Gallagher Premiership back in 2011 – can you name the others?
You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.
It's more difficult than it sounds.
Good luck, and let us know how you do
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