In recent weeks, these young athletes have integrated into the club’s senior squad under the guidance of Head Coach Alex Rae and his team, laying the foundations for a development pathway that is set to redefine rugby in the West Midlands.
Further demonstrating Coventry Rugby’s commitment to nurturing young talent, the club has also signed 21-year-old hooker Murray Davidson, the first recruit to come through the Coventry Pro Rugby Combine — an initiative recently launched by Coventry Rugby and designed to give overlooked talent a second chance of a future in professional rugby.
With the club on a mission to reshape the future of player development at grass roots level, the Academy’s vision is clear: to create a new era of rugby development that supports young players not just on the pitch, but in life.
Since its launch in 2023, the Academy has grown rapidly to include over 250 players aged 14–18. Its U18 Elite Player Development Group (EPDG) is already 80% local, reflecting Cov’s deepening roots in the region and its ambition to become a genuine talent hub.
“Our ambition isn’t just to develop great players — it is to develop well rounded individuals with a future,” said Executive Chairman Jon Sharp. “We’ve built an environment where players have the time and support to reach their full potential, regardless of whether they make the first team.”
That support includes comprehensive academic and career pathways through partnerships with local school and college sixth forms and higher education providers, including degree-level learning via UCFB. The Academy also offers elite coaching, nutrition and performance science, rehabilitation, and world-class analysis tools — all led by former Wales international Matthew Jones.
Unlike traditional academies, where players are too often cast aside without any direction, Cov’s ground breaking model focuses on long-term growth, mental well-being, and life after
rugby. “Being selected for an academy should be the start of a journey,” explained Jon Sharp. “Too many systems offer false hope. We aim to be different and better - setting a new standard, not just for rugby but for sport as a whole.”
Furthermore. Coventry Rugby Club also sees its Academy as playing a pivotal role in the wider community, supporting local clubs through coach education, CPD (continuous professional development) events, and enrichment programmes. “We’re here to develop skills and even if a player doesn’t make our senior team, their rugby journey continues,” Jon Sharp commented.
Jon Sharp added: “We are extremely excited to bring our new Senior Academy players on board which we believe will create a legacy for the future.
“By structuring a sustainable academy system, we are building a squad that represents the city, plays an exciting brand of rugby and strengthens the grassroots game across the West Midlands region.”
The eight new Senior Academy Players include:-
Joe Johnston (Fullback) (18)
Taio Varndell (Winger) (17)
Sam Gibson (Tighthead Prop) (17)
Sam Harding (Lock) (18)
Matty Thomas (Hooker) (17)
Harry Ingram (Inside Centre) (17)
Drew Johnson (Flanker) (18)
Will Smith (Flanker / Lock) (18)
Coventry Rugby Club is now entering a new era as it continues to set its sights on the Premiership. A number of ambitious plans are in place as the club looks to the future — including major stadium development, wider community reach and a concerted drive to bring new partners and investment on board to help fuel the next phase.
