All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
By Paul I
July 6 2025
Season 2025/2026 starts for Coventry Rugby this week. Players, returning players and new players are, I believe, beginning their preparations this week, with just the small matter of fitness testing first up. Good luck to them all with that! However, it's worth saying that that some players have been training through most of the summer, with leaving players also utilising some of the gym facilities at various times whilst still contracted. Good to see.
As the players begin their pre-season in earnest, I suppose the period of unease or negativity will ease, or will it? The various threads suggest a cause of concern, and pick any one, number of players, departing players, some areas of concern in certain positions, namely lock and in the centres? I have faith in the club's recruitment, although it's probably fair to say some of the incoming players last season didn't come off as the club would have liked. I still maintain the long-term injuries played a major part in last season's performances, with a ' false dawn' of the first 7 games successes covering over the gaps. Still, that's last season, onwards and upwards. I still have faith.
I also have to say I was unimpressed by some of our ' professional' players. You, by now, have all heard the rumours. I cannot comment on these but, suffice to say, being professional means more than training full-time, attitudes are also involved. It's the club for me every time. I wish them all the best but was surprised at those loving gardening.
The Champ fixtures are released on Thursday and, I can tell you it's a very full-on and balanced season, 26 game weeks, some rest days including catch-up days, play-offs at both ends of the season. Jeopardy you wanted, jeopardy you've got.
The massive elephant in the room is the resurrection of Worcester. Spending money like kids in a sweet shop, they will bing the X factor, the unknown factor. The comment I hear most is of an Ealing/Worcester shootout. Doncaster and Bedford should not be discounted also. We shalll see. The words of CEO , Stephen Vaughan , on the ChampClubPodcast last season of being in the middle range of budgets in the Champ seems nothing less than a bad joke now.
With the fixtures release upcoming , who do you want for your first game in October?
Let us know. Bring.It.On.
All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2025 13:37
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:07:27:19:50:01 by Kimbo.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:07:27:19:50:01 by Kimbo.
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: titchywinger (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2025 14:47
I couldn't give a monkeys about Worcester. I'm looking forward to seeing all Cov's new recruits. We didn't know a lot about last years new recruits and we the fans don't know much about this years new recruits. I should think Alex Rae and his scouting network will have spotted some good young talent. Did any of us know anything about Will Rigg, Will Wand, Tobl Wilson and Pat Pallegrini when they arrived at Cov?
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: Paul Rossborough (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2025 16:28
I feel the recruitment for this his upcoming season has been on more of a budget let’s say to that of last season, and I would guess too, this was a decline in the previous season. Whilst I understand the need to think sustainably, this goes out of the window if matches aren’t being won and league position bettered, as the paying supporters will become less and before we know it, there will be other struggles.
Added to this, I feel others have recruited strongly. Obviously Worcester but also Doncaster, Bedford and others. Last season I was hopeful of top 4. There weren’t many performances that met that top of ambition, and in the end it fizzled out to nothing. I suspect season tickets aren’t as strong this season and I would also guess we will struggle to see any increases through those weekly ticket sales too.
I want us to do well, I really do but as it stands, I’d settle for top half of the table. I hope I am wrong and we have a great season.
To answer, I’d like to get Worcester at home out of the way, or even Bedford, Ealing. I fear they will be drubbings otherwise.
Any idea if we will see a replacement defence coach or indeed more signings? Sorry to keep going on but surely we don’t expect to compete with such a small squad!
Added to this, I feel others have recruited strongly. Obviously Worcester but also Doncaster, Bedford and others. Last season I was hopeful of top 4. There weren’t many performances that met that top of ambition, and in the end it fizzled out to nothing. I suspect season tickets aren’t as strong this season and I would also guess we will struggle to see any increases through those weekly ticket sales too.
I want us to do well, I really do but as it stands, I’d settle for top half of the table. I hope I am wrong and we have a great season.
To answer, I’d like to get Worcester at home out of the way, or even Bedford, Ealing. I fear they will be drubbings otherwise.
Any idea if we will see a replacement defence coach or indeed more signings? Sorry to keep going on but surely we don’t expect to compete with such a small squad!
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: RichardStokes (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2025 17:29
Good luck to all the players, coaches and support staff reporting back to the BPA this week.
We do look short in some key positions - Tight Head where we only have 2 + 1 in the Academy, Lock (unless Tiki / Mackenzie are going to play there on a regular basis), but who is going to be making the line out calls? and Centre where we need Daff to return fit and healthy as a minimum.
Having said this, I will wait for the first 60 minutes of the game v Exeter to see where we are, lots of time before that for things to change.
Not naming a replacement for James Scaysbrook is a worry, hopefully an announcement is imminent.
I have been ignoring the takeover of the board by the Worcester thread, I don't see why Cov supporters are so invested.
As for first fixture, if it’s at home - Cambridge / Chinnor - hopefully get a feel good feeling at the BPA early doors. If it's away, let’s get a game v one of the big boys out of the way.
8 weeks till the first preseason fixture, can't come soon enough.
We do look short in some key positions - Tight Head where we only have 2 + 1 in the Academy, Lock (unless Tiki / Mackenzie are going to play there on a regular basis), but who is going to be making the line out calls? and Centre where we need Daff to return fit and healthy as a minimum.
Having said this, I will wait for the first 60 minutes of the game v Exeter to see where we are, lots of time before that for things to change.
Not naming a replacement for James Scaysbrook is a worry, hopefully an announcement is imminent.
I have been ignoring the takeover of the board by the Worcester thread, I don't see why Cov supporters are so invested.
As for first fixture, if it’s at home - Cambridge / Chinnor - hopefully get a feel good feeling at the BPA early doors. If it's away, let’s get a game v one of the big boys out of the way.
8 weeks till the first preseason fixture, can't come soon enough.
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: Colin61 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2025 19:12
Think it's pretty obvious that we are still recruiting to a budget and we have to be careful because we need the ground development to start asap and only when this is completed will we start to get enough revenue in to mount a serious challenge to this league title. Hope the fans can remain patient and see the bigger picture. Think the club need to update us asap so we can share the vision also. My only concern is that some fans don't loose the faith time is always an enemy. Cheers Colin.
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: titchywinger (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2025 01:05
Time to be optimistic and not pessimistic from us Cov fans.Not a clue about budgets Colin 61,and how do you know, Paul Rossborough that Doncaster, Bedford and others have recruited better than Cov. Nice to see that a new signing was announced today, and he looks a goodun.
Agreed, I would certainly like to see better communication from the club about pretty much everything. For instance, I know nothing about players on gardening leave and why players were not playing. Do I need to know? Well, yes I probably do. I pay the entrance fee.
.Injury updates were not forthcoming. Last season we didn't have any updates on Matt Kvesics injury nor Obinna Nkwochas. Oli Morris, Jake Henry, Liam Richman, Steff Davies and others spring to mind.
Communications between the club and the fans could be much better.
Agreed, I would certainly like to see better communication from the club about pretty much everything. For instance, I know nothing about players on gardening leave and why players were not playing. Do I need to know? Well, yes I probably do. I pay the entrance fee.
.Injury updates were not forthcoming. Last season we didn't have any updates on Matt Kvesics injury nor Obinna Nkwochas. Oli Morris, Jake Henry, Liam Richman, Steff Davies and others spring to mind.
Communications between the club and the fans could be much better.
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: bigm/ mark harrison. (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2025 12:23
the bigger question Paul, is if its wuss away first game. How many people will boycott it, will we face fall out as first away supporters in the ground for a league game. Will we even be able to get a ticket
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: Steve.B50 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2025 13:45
Quote:bigm/ mark harrison.
the bigger question Paul, is if its wuss away first game. How many people will boycott it, will we face fall out as first away supporters in the ground for a league game. Will we even be able to get a ticket
I generally go to every game home and away but at present I will not going to Worcester away so I will be boycotting the game.
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: Paul Ingleston (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2025 14:13
Quote:bigm/ mark harrison.
the bigger question Paul, is if its wuss away first game. How many people will boycott it, will we face fall out as first away supporters in the ground for a league game. Will we even be able to get a ticket
Thanks to all the very valid comments on this topic so far. I just want to address your comment on this. I can understand the feelings, certainly as stated by Steve B, he is by no means the only one to say this. The last time that I looked we are still living a democracy and long may this continue.
However, donning my CRSC hat, this has been discussed quite a few times recently. We can understand these feelings and probable actions and realise people can vote with their feet.
Part of our CRSC constitution says ' and foster relations with other clubs.' If we were to ignore this belief we would be failing to adhere to this, a core belief. As and when the fixture is announced, as per usual, if there is a ground to provide coach travel to, we will for those who want to avail themselves of this option.
As regards the purchase of a ticket/non availability of it, to not provide tickets for away supporters would not be a good PR opportunity for Warriors and, I think even you would have to admit Mark, the one thing that anyone would say is, Warriors have been top notch at PR!
Paul
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: Colin61 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2025 17:36
I took Paul will not be travelling to Worcester because i don't agree with them being GIFTED a place in the league. I usually go to all home games and as many away as family work commitments allow. This usually means around 50-70%. I will be gutted at not supporting my team at warriors but my principles will not allow me to give money to them. It still is hard when you want to support your team for all the right reasons. And i would never fall out with others if they go it's their choice as well. Cheers Colin.
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: TeflonTed (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2025 19:49
Some sensible comments. I’m not going to continue the debate as to the rights and wrongs of our entry to Champ, it’s all been said.
I’m here now merely to say that I don’t believe there is any chance of there being a sell-out at Sixways anytime soon. As well as many hundreds of seats available in the east stand there is an end where the north stand used to be, now available for standing.
There will be room, and those who choose to come will get a warm welcome.
I doubt myself if we’ll be given a home game against one of the bigger sides, I think they’ll send us to Caldy or Cambridge…..rather than sending us to Coventry😀
I’m here now merely to say that I don’t believe there is any chance of there being a sell-out at Sixways anytime soon. As well as many hundreds of seats available in the east stand there is an end where the north stand used to be, now available for standing.
There will be room, and those who choose to come will get a warm welcome.
I doubt myself if we’ll be given a home game against one of the bigger sides, I think they’ll send us to Caldy or Cambridge…..rather than sending us to Coventry😀
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: tigerburnie (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2025 08:42
I feel for Worcester fans as it is not of their making, but I would find it difficult to support Holland under any circumstance.
Re: All eyes on The Return and Welcome
Posted by: Steve.B50 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2025 09:04
Quote:tigerburnie
I feel for Worcester fans as it is not of their making, but I would find it difficult to support Holland under any circumstance.
Fully agree, its not the supporters fault.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: covkid1953 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2025 14:19
Nothing would entice me to the Worcester games, home or away.
They have broken English rugby in a way I find utterly distasteful and dishonest.
The thought of standing there at either game, seething with anger, is not where I want my mindset to be.
They're going to be booed wherever they go, justifiably so.
So far to buy the title, they've spent untold £millions on top of the £25 million debt they previously ran up, and promptly kicked repayments down the road. Cap in hand, they are begging those people owed money to write it off..... Damn cheek.
They have broken English rugby in a way I find utterly distasteful and dishonest.
The thought of standing there at either game, seething with anger, is not where I want my mindset to be.
They're going to be booed wherever they go, justifiably so.
So far to buy the title, they've spent untold £millions on top of the £25 million debt they previously ran up, and promptly kicked repayments down the road. Cap in hand, they are begging those people owed money to write it off..... Damn cheek.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: Steve.B50 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2025 16:37
Quote:covkid1953
Nothing would entice me to the Worcester games, home or away.
They have broken English rugby in a way I find utterly distasteful and dishonest.
The thought of standing there at either game, seething with anger, is not where I want my mindset to be.
They're going to be booed wherever they go, justifiably so.
So far to buy the title, they've spent untold £millions on top of the £25 million debt they previously ran up, and promptly kicked repayments down the road. Cap in hand, they are begging those people owed money to write it off..... Damn cheek.
Fully agree. I will go to a local game on the day we play Worcester away
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: Jaspa (IP Logged)
Date: 10/07/2025 08:18
O what a big loss that will be. Lol
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: Jaspa (IP Logged)
Date: 10/07/2025 08:18
O what a big loss that will be. Lol
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: SunMan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/07/2025 12:22
In such a hurry to laugh out loud at yourself you posted twice?
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: TeflonTed (IP Logged)
Date: 10/07/2025 12:36
Fuxtures announced.
Oh well, Covkid can have the day out somewhere else.
Oh well, Covkid can have the day out somewhere else.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: Jaspa (IP Logged)
Date: 10/07/2025 12:46
Can't wait for this fixture eh sun man! What a day eh!
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: SunMan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/07/2025 10:52
Such a surprise that this "random" fixture came up wasn't it?
Who said Chump Rugby wasn't fixed?
Who said Chump Rugby wasn't fixed?
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: dawson9 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/07/2025 11:34
Has anyone ever said its random?
You gotta play everyone twice at some point
You gotta play everyone twice at some point
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: SunMan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/07/2025 11:43
Of course you have to play everyone twice in the season dawson but as I'm sure you realise that wasn't my point.
But if you think the first game wasn't random but was fixed then I wouldn't disagree with you!
But if you think the first game wasn't random but was fixed then I wouldn't disagree with you!
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: TeflonTed (IP Logged)
Date: 12/07/2025 22:26
Why is there any talk of random?
All timetables are decided upon by the relevant organising authorities.
Nothing random at all.
All timetables are decided upon by the relevant organising authorities.
Nothing random at all.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: TeflonTed (IP Logged)
Date: 12/07/2025 22:26
Why is there any talk of random?
All timetables are decided upon by the relevant organising authorities.
Nothing random at all.
All timetables are decided upon by the relevant organising authorities.
Nothing random at all.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: SunMan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/07/2025 11:30
There is a difference between timetables and the fixtures which fit into those timetables.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: dawson9 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/07/2025 12:02
Quote:SunMan62
Of course you have to play everyone twice in the season dawson but as I'm sure you realise that wasn't my point.
But if you think the first game wasn't random but was fixed then I wouldn't disagree with you!
Top leagues plan fixtures like this all the time. Coventry vs worcester is a show stopper and im sure champ rugby will do everything they can to market it in the run up - if theyd managed to get a tv deal im sure this would be one of the first games up for it.
I just dont see a problem with it at all - look at how a league like the epl plans fixtures and derbies to maximise interest.
You could even argue (on the basis that you have to play them at some point anyway) coventry have the best side of the deal here - you're playing them as a newly formed team straight up before theyve had a chance to gel and get used tk each other.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: SunMan62 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2025 12:20
I didn't for one moment suggest it was a problem just that it was a very predictable fix.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: covkid1953 (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2025 19:23
I would like to ask all Cov fan's to show solidarity with real rugby clubs and stay away from Worcester on the first day. Playing against a team that have now spent £millions parachuted into the "chump" like Kerry Packer did to break cricket. This Wuss team will trounce everyone this season (Ealing moneybags aside) because they are stuffed with high salaried experienced premiership players. The RFU should have capped their spending because it is mostly further debt, nailed into the now deferred debt they've promised to repay but haven't, until some unknown point in the future.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: TeflonTed (IP Logged)
Date: 14/07/2025 20:57
You really are a bitter and angry chap aren’t you.
Against all your previous predictions, Worcester’s return to competitive rugby will increase level 2 attendances massively, and hundreds of Coventry supporters will be welcomed at Sixways on Oct 4th.
And win or lose, there will be handshakes and friendly chat. I understand you won’t be there.
Good.
Against all your previous predictions, Worcester’s return to competitive rugby will increase level 2 attendances massively, and hundreds of Coventry supporters will be welcomed at Sixways on Oct 4th.
And win or lose, there will be handshakes and friendly chat. I understand you won’t be there.
Good.
Re: All eyes on The Return, and Welcome
Posted by: Egg Timer (IP Logged)
Date: 15/07/2025 06:40
Quote:TeflonTed
You really are a bitter and angry chap aren’t you.
Against all your previous predictions, Worcester’s return to competitive rugby will increase level 2 attendances massively, and hundreds of Coventry supporters will be welcomed at Sixways on Oct 4th.
And win or lose, there will be handshakes and friendly chat. I understand you won’t be there.
Good.
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