By Chris Wearmouth 
John Barton is third from the right in this photo of 11 of the club’s capped internationals in the 1973 squad
We are saddened to hear news of the death of former Coventry and England lock forward, John Barton, who passed away early on Tuesday, January 12th.
John had been seriously ill for a long time but had managed to make the last Former Players lunch in February 2020.
From his senior debut in 1961/62 through to retirement in 1974/75, John played 265 times for Coventry. He was also an experienced representative player, being selected for the Barbarians, Midlands and Warwickshire and winning four England caps, his debut coming against Ireland in 1967. He also scored two tries for the national team, both against Wales in 1967, one of which you can see via this link.
Following retirement, John served Coventry as Fixture Secretary for a number of years in the 1980s.
The sincere wishes and condolences from everyone at Cov Rugby are sent to John’s family.
