In Memory of Barry Ninnes, Coventry Rugby Icon

The death has been announced of the former Coventry and England lock forward Barry Ninnes. 

A proud Cornishman, born and bred in St Ives, Barry Francis or ‘’ Basil’’ as he also sometimes known, played his early Rugby for his native town club and Cornwall,  before moving to the Midlands

Barry then  made his Coventry debut in season 1969/70, making 10 appearances in that first season, before finally joining the select band of Cov players who made 300 plus appearances, ending up in his final 1980/81 season with 348 to his name, whilst also running in 34 tries. It was a back injury which finally ended his playing days.

The international debut and his one England appearance was against resurgent Wales at Cardiff in 1971, the match which also saw Club President Peter Rossborough make his debut.

Barry, during his playing time at Cov became one of the members of the famed Coventry and Warwickshire packs, as well as being in the squad which won both the 1973 and 1974 Cup finals at Twickenham.

Having retried from playing, Barry returned to his native St Ives, where he coached the club for a time. Off the field of play, Barry was of a quiet disposition. 

In later life, quite of a lot of it was spent living in Yorkshire, often being  seen  supporting ‘’ Cov’’ at venues such as Rotherham.

Everyone connected with Cov Rugby, in particular those who knew him personally, are deeply saddened by the loss of another Club stalwart.

John Butler