By Coventry Rugby 
Coventry Rugby return to Butts Park Arena this Saturday with a huge festive fixture on the horizon as Nottingham Rugby visit Coventry for Round 11 of Champ Rugby – and the first-ever Matt Gallagher Cup will be on the line.
With just two points separating the sides in the Champ Rugby table – Coventry currently 8th and Nottingham 5th – this local head-to-head carries real significance as the league season approaches its midpoint and the race for the play-offs begins to take shape in the new year.
Coventry’s Attacking Identity
Coventry head into the contest with one of the most dangerous attacking profiles in the Champ.
Alex Rae’s side currently lead the league with 41 try assists and rank second for total points scored (382) this season, underlining a style built on tempo, creativity and support play.
Leading the charge, Peter Sullivan continues to set the standard. The winger tops the Champ Rugby try-scoring charts with 12 tries, while his 11.0 metres per carry (second best in the league) highlight his threat whenever Coventry move the ball wide.
At the heart of much of Coventry’s attacking play is Sam Maunder, who leads the Champ with seven try assists. Maunder also topped the most recent round for kick metres per kick (61.9), showcasing his ability to control territory as well as unlock defences.
That attacking edge is supported by a powerful forward effort. Coventry recorded 32 dominant carry contacts in the latest round – the second-highest in the league – and sit second overall for offloads (105) this season, reflecting a side willing to keep the ball alive and challenge defences repeatedly.
The Nottingham Challenge
Nottingham arrive at Butts Park Arena with a well-earned reputation for defensive resilience.
They currently boast the Champ’s most effective defence, leading the league with an 83.4% tackle success rate and 1,570 successful tackles overall. Their physicality and work-rate will present a stern test for Coventry’s attacking structure.
Leading that effort is Michael Green, who tops the Championship tackle charts with 176 successful tackles, including 18 in the most recent round. James Cherry has also been a key figure, ranking third for carries (123) and second for tackles made (132) this season.
In open play, Evan Mitchell has been Nottingham’s primary attacking outlet, generating 377 metres so far this campaign and leading the latest round with a 40% retained kicks percentage, ensuring Nottingham can apply pressure in the right areas of the field.
More Than Just League Points
Beyond the league table, Saturday’s fixture carries extra significance as the two clubs contest the inaugural Matt Gallagher Cup.
The Cup celebrates Matt Gallagher, whose career spanned both Coventry and Nottingham, and supports the work of the Matt Gallagher Foundation in raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease. It adds an emotional edge and a powerful sense of purpose to what is already a highly competitive fixture. Donate to the Matt Gallagher Foundation HERE
Kick-off: 15:00 | Saturday 20th December
Coventry Rugby vs Nottingham Rugby
Tickets available HERE
