By Coventry Rugby 
Coventry Rugby begin 2026 back at Butts Park Arena on New Year’s Day with a compelling Champ Rugby Round 13 clash, as Cornish Pirates make the long trip to the Midlands for a 15:00 kick-off.
With Coventry currently sitting 5th on 40 points and Pirates 8th on 32, this encounter carries real importance as the league enters its second half. A win would strengthen Coventry’s position in the play-off conversation, while Pirates arrive knowing a positive result could quickly close the gap in a tightly packed Champ Rugby table.
Coventry’s Momentum in Attack
Coventry head into the new year with one of the most productive attacking units in Champ Rugby.
Alex Rae’s side rank second in the league for both tries scored (67) and total points (456), reflecting a consistent ability to convert pressure into points. That attacking efficiency has been built on strong ball-carrying, support lines and the ability to strike from turnover opportunities.
Peter Sullivan continues to be a central figure in that approach. The winger leads Champ Rugby with 13 tries this season and has also recorded a league-high four interceptions, underlining his impact at both ends of the field and Coventry’s threat when possession changes hands.
In the engine room, Morgan Strong has been relentless. He tops Champ Rugby with 200 carries and 206 post-contact metres, providing the go-forward that allows Coventry to play on the front foot. His ability to win metres after contact has been crucial in sustaining attacking phases and wearing down opposition defences.
Coventry’s backline threat was on show in the most recent round, with David Opoku producing three initial breaks (joint-most in Champ Rugby that round) and gaining 94 metres. His ability to challenge defenders and generate momentum adds another dimension to Coventry’s attacking shape as they look to start the year on the front foot.
The Pirates’ Territorial Threat
Cornish Pirates arrive at Butts Park Arena with a game built on territorial pressure and physical defensive effort.
They currently lead Champ Rugby with 16 attacking catch successes this season, highlighting their effectiveness under the high ball, and recorded the highest kick metres per kick (33.6) in the most recent round. That kicking game is central to how Pirates look to control matches and apply pressure in opposition territory.
Much of that responsibility falls on Daniel Hiscocks, who has made more kicks in play (139) and retained kicks (29) than any other player in Champ Rugby this season. His ability to turn sides around and compete in the air will be a key challenge for Coventry’s back three.
Defensively, Pirates bring serious work-rate. Josh King has made 152 successful tackles (third most in Champ Rugby) and leads the league with 99 defensive ruck entries, underlining a side prepared to fight hard around the breakdown and slow opposition ball.
That physical edge is reinforced by Sol Moody, who leads Champ Rugby with an average of 2.4 post-contact metres per carry. With 158 post-contact metres this season, Moody provides Pirates with a reliable source of gain-line success and will test Coventry’s defensive organisation through the middle of the park.
A Crucial New Year Test
With both sides separated by just eight points in the table, Thursday’s fixture represents a significant opportunity as Champ Rugby heads into the business end of the season.
Coventry will look to harness their attacking firepower and home support to set the tone for 2026, while Cornish Pirates arrive with the tools to disrupt rhythm and turn the contest into a territorial battle.
Kick-off: 15:00
Date: Thursday 1st January 2026
Competition: Champ Rugby – Round 13
Venue: Butts Park Arena
Tickets available HERE – Limited seats available!
