By Coventry Rugby 
Coventry Rugby is proud to congratulate our Executive Chair, Jon Sharp, on receiving the Coventry Award of Merit 2025, the city’s highest civic honour. The award was presented on Wednesday night in recognition of Jon’s outstanding service to Coventry and his pivotal role in the revival and growth of Coventry Rugby.
The Award of Merit is a hugely prestigious accolade, launched in the 1960s and only presented on rare occasions to individuals and organisations who “reflect the highest ideals of citizenship, improve the good name of Coventry, and inspire its residents.” Over more than 60 years, just 47 recipients have been honoured – among them Sir Frank Whittle, Sir Basil Spence, Philip Larkin, David Moorcroft, and Sir John Egan.
Jon joins this illustrious list thanks to his leadership both in business and in sport. A proud Coventrian, born in Hillfields and educated at Bablake Grammar School, Jon returned home after a successful career in the aerospace industry to take on the challenge of saving Coventry Rugby when it was on the brink of bankruptcy.
Under his stewardship, the club has been transformed into one of the top 15 rugby union sides in the country, while also building strong ties with the community. His launch of “Project 500” has already given more than 6,000 childrenaccess to sport, activities, and hot meals – a testament to his commitment to making a difference in the city he loves.
Speaking after receiving the award, Jon said:
“This honour reflects greatly on all the brilliant things Coventry Rugby does in promoting the city’s name by its exploits on the pitch, through its rugby and netball academies and through its community work. ‘Cov’ is a deeply entrenched part of our great city’s DNA.”
Everyone at Coventry Rugby sends Jon our warmest congratulations on this thoroughly deserved recognition.
