Coventry Rugby return to action under the lights at Butts Park Arena tonight as a Coventry Rugby XV take on the British Army Rugby Union, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.
The fixture provides a valuable opportunity for a mix of Senior Academy players and emerging Academy prospects progressing through the club’s pathway to gain valuable game time in front of the BPA crowd against a traditionally physical Army side.
Several players within the squad have already begun making their mark this season. Senior Academy prop Sam Gibson featured in Coventry’s Champ fixture against Cambridge earlier this campaign, while fellow Senior Academy lock Drew Johnson, who captains the side tonight, continues his development alongside Senior Academy wing Taio Varndell.
There is also an opportunity for Will Dorrell, the Coventry Rugby Under-18s captain, who has been a standout performer throughout the age-grade programme this season.
A number of players progressing through the club’s U23 pathway are also included. Mason Winterburn, formerly of Wasps, made his Premiership Rugby Cup debut in 2022 against Leicester and starts at scrum-half. Sammie Erskine, who captains and plays for Exeter University in the BUCS Super Rugby competition, lines up in the back row, while centre Cameron Brown recently made his Champ debut for Caldy earlier this season against Doncaster.
Starting XV
- Kamsi Imehedu
- Will Dorrell – U18 Academy
- Sam Gibson – Senior Academy
- Drew Johnson (C) – Senior Academy
- Ollie Russell
- Robin Jordan
- Harry Pemberton
- Sammie Erskine
- Mason Winterburn
- Jack Condliffe
- Taio Varndell – Senior Academy
- Ieuan Bissell
- Cameron Brown
- Emosi Toava Nabakeke
- Oli Farquharson
Finishers
16. Ethan Allen
17. Mudiwa Mtemererwa
18. Max Wheeler
19. Beckham Simpson
20. Turner Jones
21. George Owen
22. George Mundin
23. Zach Armstrong
24. Ashton Phillips
Tickets for tonight’s fixture are available HERE
Matchday Information
Gates open tonight at 17:00, with food and drink available in the Main Stand bars. An Oxen pop-up shop will also be on site, alongside various British Army outlets and information points where supporters can learn more about our opposition.
Supporters are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the activities taking place throughout the evening.
The ticket office will be open pre-match for supporters wishing to purchase tickets on the gate. Please note that tickets bought on matchday at the stadium are more expensive than those purchased online in advance.