By Sian Haynes 
Coventry Rugby is delighted to announce a confirmed pre-season fixture which will bring rugby back to the Butts Park Arena for the start of the 2023/24 campaign. On Saturday 19thAugust, Coventry will host newly promoted National League One side, Leicester Lions at 3pm here at the BPA.
Last week we announced a clash against familiar friends and rivals Birmingham Moseley, which will take place the following Friday 25th August at Billesley Common. However, we will in fact get things kicked off against Leicester Lions, who are fresh off the back of a stellar season in National League Two West which ended with them being crowned champions and promoted to the third tier of English Rugby for the first time in their history.
This will be the first chance for you to see some of the fresh faces within Alex Rae’s squad such as the likes of Matt Kvesic, Ryan Hutler, Paddy Ryan, Jack Bartlett, Eliot Salt and Obinna Nkwocha who all joined the club over the summer. Alex Rae is looking forward to the first bit of rugby of the season, and facing a tough Leicester Lions side:
“It’s great to welcome Leicester lions to the BPA, they had a great season last year and will provide a great first hit out for us.”
“It’s also fantastic to be back at home in front of our fans and will be the start of another exciting season!”
Director of Rugby at Leicester Lions, Gareth Collins, believes this fixture will be an excellent addition to his side’s preparation for an inaugural season in National One:
“We are excited by the challenge of playing Championship opposition and getting to run out at Butts Park Arena will be a great experience for our boys. Coventry had an unbelievable season last year and they will provide the sternest of tests for us as we prepare for our first ever National 1 campaign.”
Following last year’s most successful season in the competitive era for Cov, we can’t wait to welcome you back to Butts Park for an exciting curtain raiser to the 23/24 campaign which will also be accompanied by our inaugural Coventry Rugby Beer Festival!
Tickets for Coventry vs Leicester Lions can be purchased here.
This fixture is included in all Season Membership packages.
#ComeOnCov
