The RFL is delighted to announce that Coventry Bears will enter Rugby League’s semi-professional Kingstone Press Championship One competition in 2015. Formed in 1998, Coventry have grown to become one of the sport’s most successful community clubs and will play their home games at the 4,000-capacity Butts Park Arena.
They were invited to play in the competition at a meeting of the Kingstone Press Championships clubs in Leigh this week. RFL Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Coventry Bears to the Kingstone Press Championships.
“Coventry’s entry follows a great deal of hard work by a committed and passionate group of individuals who have set realistic and realisable ambitions for a club which has grown in stature over recent years.
“The arrival of Coventry Bears adds another refreshing dimension to the Championships at a time when the sport is approaching an exciting new era with the introduction of a new league structure in 2015.
“Following on from the success of Oxford, Hemel Stags and the University and Gloucestershire All Golds in introducing Rugby League to a new audience of players and spectators, Coventry Bears will enhance the competition and the sport.
“Their entry is the latest result of our long-term commitment to introduce new clubs into Championship One from new geographical areas and I am sure Coventry Bears will receive a warm welcome from everyone in the game.”
Coventry Bears Managing Director Alan Robinson said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to join the Kingstone Press Championships and are looking forward to playing our full part in the competition.
“The club has worked really hard to establish good working relationships in Coventry and across the Midlands and we now have the partners in place who can help us realise our ambitions.
“Making the transition from being a community club to the professional ranks has been, and remains an exciting and fulfilling journey. Our geographical location allows us to ‘bridge the gap’ between clubs in the South and North and creates rich potential for us to succeed.”
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