RUGBY UNION: PROMOTION to the Championship has been set as Coventry Rugby Club’s long-term future by director of rugby, Rowland Winter.
Winter, who joined the Butts Park Arena outfit at the start of last season, believes his side are capable of stepping up to the Championship – the second tier of rugby union in the UK.
After another win on Saturday against Blackheath, Winter’s men sit one point short of top side Darlington having won their opening four matches.
But with only one promotion spot available, Coventry face a tough season ahead – and dropping points will have to come at a premium.
Speaking to The Observer, Winter revealed his side are adopting a ‘game by game’ strategy to help them through the 30-game season.
He said: “It’s a case of so far so good in the league. We’ve had good wins at home and on the road following eight weeks of hard work during pre-season.
“We feel as though we are a Championship team now – that’s our long term goal.
“By adopting a week by week approach it makes us want to win the league.
“We have a strong set-up and we want to improve on our fourth place finish last year.
“We’re not underestimating anyone in the league.”
Winter was keen to praise the support he’s received from club chairman, Jon Sharp, and the fans so far this season.
He added: “There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes since I arrived in Coventry with regards to building our foundations. Now we’re beginning to see the benefits.
“Promotion is our goal. The team has great backing from Jon Sharp and the Coventry fans too.
“We’ve got big expectations and good players. We’re cohesive as a team and that’s important.
“The standout performance so far has to be our home win against Moseley. A derby game always attracts a large crowd and the nature of getting a 50 point win was satisfying. I’m surprised we won by that many points.”
