who confirmed that although agreement had been reached between the RFU and Andrew Green over issues such as the lease and funding the final piece of the jigsaw namely a bond of £100k could not be fulfilled.  JW confirmed that without his last minute intervention to the RFU in suggesting a public appeal the club would be in effect out of business, as they would have been relegated to the bottom of the rugby pyramid.

A detailed and lively Q&A session followed, mainly covering the technical aspects of the bond and worries proposed donees had in the process.  It was confirmed that the bond was controlled solely by the RFU, with Coventry Rugby Club having no input with its use.  Concerns were also raised over the wording of the appeal in the Telegraph and the unclear wording, it was confirmed that this would be clarified in the next edition of the paper (Saturday).  The original details  given on this website were correct and at the end of the 2 years if the bond is not needed, then it will be returned with interest to the Trustees, who will return it to the donees, proved they have kept their receipts.

Clarification of why the Trustees were chosen was also covered.

Wider issues were then discussed, with the need for greater publicity.  It was most useful to have input from Graham Robbins, setting out the problems in funding ND1 rugby, with its inequalities compared with the premiership sides, thus leading to the need for increased sponsorship and commercial activities.  Mention was also made of the improving commercial use of the BPA and increasing sponsorship which was going in the right way with plenty of new ideas being introduced.

The alienation of some past Centurions was also discussed; it was great to hear from such a past Centurion, who confirmed that this was being addressed, hopefully in a positive manner.  The old adage of any publicity is good publicity seems to be working, with greater awareness of the club, offers of help from throughout the country and indeed confirmation that new sponsors will come on board, provided this bond can be raised.

Mention was also made of the effect on the local schools and players if such a local club should be no more.  The success of the OC Coventry colts and the future aspiration of local players cannot be ignored.

The meeting ended with a plea for all fans who want the club to survive to get behind this appeal, to give something however small, to prove to both club and the RFU that there is a rugby heart beating in this city and this great club should not be allowed to die and wither away.

Finally heartfelt thanks to JW and the telegraph for starting this appeal,  JB for continued work and help as  trustee, and also to Mick Owen for the use of OC facilities.  £30 profit was raised in the bar, which was doubled by OC's, together with their further donation of £60 made £120 for the appeal.

Tom Little