By Coventry Rugby 
Jack Reeves admits there has been little time to ease himself in since arriving at Coventry Rugby midway through the season – but that’s exactly how he likes it.
The wing has quickly been thrown into the demands of the Champ, a league renowned for its physicality and relentless competitiveness, and says the intensity has made the transition both challenging and rewarding.
“It’s been really good so far,” Reeves said. “The Champ is such a tough, competitive league and you have to be on it every week. The physicality and the tempo is high, so there’s not much room to ease yourself in.
“For me, it’s been about getting up to speed quickly with the systems and building combinations with the lads around me. Every week poses a different challenge, but that’s what makes it exciting. I’ve really enjoyed getting stuck in and testing myself in this environment.”
Having now made his first appearances in blue and white, Reeves says the process of settling into life at Coventry has been made far easier by the environment within the squad – and by the welcome he received from both teammates and supporters.
“I’ve honestly felt welcome from day one,” he said. “The boys have been class and that always makes settling in a lot easier. There’s a strong culture here and a real togetherness in the group, which you can feel straight away.
“Running out at Butts Park Arena for the first time was special as well. The support has been brilliant and you can see how much the club means to the community. That definitely helps you feel at home pretty quickly.”
Reeves arrives with experience from high-level environments including Gloucester and Major League Rugby side the New England Free Jacks, but says what has stood out most since joining Coventry is the hunger within the squad to continue pushing forward.
“Every environment has its own identity, but what’s really stood out here is the hunger,” he explained. “There’s a real drive in this squad to keep improving and pushing standards every day.
“The energy in training is high, and there’s good competition for places which keeps everyone sharp. The ambition is clear – the group wants to build something and keep moving forward – and that’s something I was really excited to be part of when I came in.”
Attention now turns to Friday night’s Champ clash with Richmond at Butts Park Arena, with the squad embracing the occasion of a fixture played under the lights.
“The mood’s been really positive,” Reeves said. “Friday night games under the lights are always special and the boys are buzzing for it.
“We know Richmond will bring a big challenge, so the focus has been on nailing our prep and making sure we’re sharp in the areas we can control. There’s a good edge to the week, plenty of energy, but also real clarity about what we want to deliver.
“It should be a great occasion and we’re excited to put in a performance the fans can get behind.”
With his feet now firmly under the table and momentum building both personally and collectively, Reeves’ early weeks at Coventry suggest a player embracing both the challenge and opportunity that Champ rugby presents.
Tickets are available for Friday night vs Richmond at www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/
20:00 Kick off | Butts Park Arena
