Coventry show the right spirit

NICK CAIN

If you were looking for an example of the true spirit of the game look no further than Coventry’s support for rugby union in Jersey following the Reds going into receivership.

Coventry, who were due to play their Championship opener against Jersey Reds this weekend, decided to make the trip to the Channel Islands as originally planned to support the community club Jersey RFC ahead of their Saturday match against Salisbury in Regional 2 South Central.

Coventry chief executive Nick Johnston said: “We could claim through insurance but we felt it was more important to go and help the amateur club, Jersey RFC, who are unconnected to the Reds, get back on their feet”.

Coventry decided to sponsor the match alongside Food Heroes, a company owned by one of their partners, Simon Martin. This included sending a food truck to the ground and selling meals to raise funds, and, as well as fitting in a Cov training session, running a coaching masterclass for Jersey’s mini and juniors before the match.

That is what you call practical and spiritual sustenance for the game – RFU take note.