Coventry Rugby Launches Groundbreaking Partnership with University Campus of Football Business.

Coventry Rugby is proud to introduce an exciting new opportunity for post-18 players looking to continue their rugby development while securing a high-quality education. The partnership with the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) offers an unparalleled pathway for aspiring athletes to train like professionals while earning a degree, ensuring a seamless transition into senior rugby and beyond. 

At the forefront of this new initiative, it offers players the opportunity to play for Coventry Rugby Club professionally and is designed to elevate players’ performance on and off the pitch, combining high-level training with a flexible academic structure that supports long-term career ambitions. 

UCFB’s BA (Hons) Sports Management (distance with attendance) will offer students the opportunity to academically progress their aspirations to progress a career in the sports industry, off the pitch.  The degree is delivered in a flexible way that will enable athletes within an elite training environment study around their performance commitments.  Students will also have access to UCFB’s campuses at Wembley and Manchester along with access to the industry partners from across the sports industry such as The Premier League, The FA, Kick It Out, The LMA, Sky, and many more.  

UCFB is proud to be a world’s-first higher education institution dedicated to delivering degrees tailored to the sports industry. Offering degrees in sports coaching, sports business, sport psychology, media and broadcasting, marketing, finance and more; 93% of UCFB graduates are in full-time employment within 6-9 months, with 63% working in sport!   

Located at campuses in London, which has the iconic Wembley Stadium at its heart, and the expanded Manchester campus, students are embedded in the sports industry. UCFB’s innovative sports courses are tailor-made to give you the best possible chance of a successful career.   

Coventry Rugby will also be able to offer students hands-on experience across the business ranging from coaching, events management, operations, media and commercial activity.  These qualifications will support their next steps, whether that be a career alongside their playing commitments or opportunities post-rugby.  This highlights the holistic approach Coventry Rugby is committed to, ensuring that both academy and senior players have the necessary support to thrive in their rugby careers while building a strong academic and professional foundation. 

Why Choose This Programme? 

• Players will have extensive playing opportunities including participation in Coventry Rugby’s U23 academy programme, which features a full fixture list built around the adult playing calendar. This structure offers valuable high-level rugby exposure, allowing players to develop and progress within the game while still having the flexibility to represent their grassroots club on weekends, supporting local talent and community rugby. 

• Train like a professional – Experience elite-level coaching and training three times per week (Monday, Tuesday, and Friday). Home games will be held at the iconic Butts Park Arena, offering players the chance to play in a competitive and professional environment. 

• High-performance training environment – Players will be fully integrated into the Coventry Rugby setup, utilising the same top-tier facilities as the First Team squad, gaining first-hand experience of a professional rugby culture. 

• Direct pathway to professional rugby – With access to Coventry Rugby’s professional coaching staff, strength and conditioning experts, and performance analysts, players will have a structured route towards the U23s and first team, maximising their potential for future success in the sport. 

• Flexible academic delivery – The BA (Hons) Sports Management degree is delivered via distance learning with a short on-campus block each year, allowing players to complete coursework remotely while remaining fully immersed in an elite rugby setting at Butts Park Arena. 

• Exclusive opportunity with limited places – With only 35 places available, this unique programme is highly competitive. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something special. 

Coventry Rugby is currently gathering expressions of interest to assess the feasibility of joining the BUCS pyramid in September 2025. Be sure to register your interest before we get oversubscribed. We will then be in touch to invite you to our upcoming launch evening. Players eager to take their rugby journey to the next level can register here: https://forms.office.com/e/zpy9CBs6sa. 

A New Era for Aspiring Rugby Players 

This programme represents a game-changing opportunity for young players who want to immerse themselves in a high-performance rugby environment while securing a strong academic foundation. Coventry Rugby is committed to developing the next generation of rugby talent, ensuring players not only stay in the game longer but also have the education and experience to forge successful careers in sport. 

For further information about joining the Coventry Rugby Academy, please contact Academy Manager Matthew Jones at mjones@coventryrugby.co.uk. 

For more information about the BA (Hons) Sports Management (distance with attendance) Course; please click here or contact study@ucfb.ac.uk