By Coventry Rugby 
Coventry Rugby Academy’s recent trip to Scotland provided a valuable and highly competitive experience for both the Under-18 and Under-17 squads, combining strong on-field challenges with important opportunities for development and collaboration.
On a cool Sunday morning, the Under-18s faced Glasgow Warriors Academy at Oriam Scotland’s Performance Centre in an entertaining and fast-paced encounter. Coventry started brightly, showing attacking intent from the outset. Early incisive running from Wil Dorell and Connor Horan resulted in two well-taken tries, giving the visitors early momentum.
Glasgow, however, responded strongly. A highly skilled and mobile home side grew into the contest and, after 20 minutes, had edged ahead with a 20–12 lead. The remainder of the game followed a similar pattern, with Glasgow’s cohesion and physicality proving decisive as Coventry battled hard away from home against quality opposition.
While the result did not fall in Coventry’s favour, the fixture represented an extremely valuable learning experience. The intensity and standard of play offered an excellent benchmark for the squad, reinforcing the academy’s focus on long-term player development rather than results alone.
Beyond the match itself, the tour was marked by outstanding hospitality from the Scottish hosts. Time spent in both Glasgow and Edinburgh allowed for meaningful knowledge exchange between coaching groups and players, helping to strengthen relationships and share best practice across the academies.
The Under-17 programme also enjoyed a productive weekend, taking part in two fixtures against both Edinburgh Academy and Glasgow Warriors Academy. Recording one win and one loss across the fixtures, the performances demonstrated encouraging progress and highlighted the strength of the emerging age group, boding well for the future of Coventry’s pathway.
Attention now turns to the return fixture in the Scottish series, as Coventry Under-18s prepare to host Edinburgh Academy at the Butts Park Arena, with a 7:30pm kick-off on Saturday 21st February. The academy looks forward not only to the competitive challenge but also to continuing to build strong relationships with their Scottish counterparts.
The tour concluded with a post-match presentation and team gathering, giving the Under-18 group the opportunity to reflect on their season together and celebrate their progress. Overall, the trip proved to be a hugely positive experience – one that combined high-level competition, shared learning, and the continued strengthening of academy partnerships for the future.
Many thanks to Coventry Rugby Supporters Group for helping make the trip possible!
