COVENTRY Rugby’s chief executive Nick Johnston said the club are operating in a ‘shroud of uncertainty’ ahead of its 150th-year celebrations- but added there was plenty of hope for the future.
Johnston was speaking at the launch of the club’s 150th-year celebrations at Butts Park Arena.
Three Premiership clubs, including Wasps in Coventry, folded during last season, and Johnson said to ensure the club’s future everyone connected with it needed to continue to build on the recent progress to ensure it becomes self-sufficient.
“Premiership clubs get £6.5million per season each from the RFU and we get £150,000,” he said.
“We have to control our destiny and look after our people so as well as celebrating a huge achievement, the 150th anniversary is about securing our long-term future and fast-tracking growth.”
At the anniversary celebrations launch event, Coventry revealed details of three celebration dinners, the release of a special anniversary kit, and golf and clay shooting days.
A special 150 Club was also launched which fans could join.
Johnston said the 150 club was key to helping Coventry become self-sufficient.
“We will use funds generated to invest in the squad, our community foundation, facilities and in making improvements to the matchday experience.”
The 200 people at the event were also given an outline of the club’s latest site development plans and an explanation of how the completed venue will go on to underpin the club’s future.
