By Paul I
April 12 2026

With 3 more Elinor Champ Rugby rounds to go, where are we in the playoff scenarios?  Let's take a look.   Ealing Trailfinders are the powerbrokers, the key holders at the top of the division. They have to play Cornish Pirates, home next Saturday, then Worcester Warriors on May 2nd (a) and Bedford at home on May 9th.  Surely with the regular season wrapped up they will ease off? I have more chance of swimming the English Channel than that! The chance to create a record 26 wins, a record that, in my opinion, will never be bettered or matched plus winning a 'Threepeat?' Fat chance.  I think the top four will be Ealing, Worcester, Bedford or Cov.  I still think Cov have a chance of a second place finish but not if the form showed at Nottingham is repeated.  The remaining two places will be between Chinnor, Cornish Pirates, Hartpury and Nottingham.  The two teams successfull out of these teams face a trip to play a quarter-final at a team who finished 3rd or fourth.   Still plenty to play for and to keep the interest going. Although, I have to say, imo, Ealing Trailfinders will still be the deserved and real champions as their form has been nothing short of incredible, they have been in some sticky positions this season but have managed to find a way to win.  Unreal season. 

At the bottom, sad to say , Cambridge, Cov's visitors this Friday, are doomed.  It will be disappointing to see Cambridge no longer on our fixture lists , as I always found a visit to Eligia Fields, and the supporters , very welcoming.  It seems from what I am hearing they ( Cambridge) have been preparing for their eventual drop for some time.  I hope this is purely a temporary demotion.  They are likely to be replaced by current National One leaders , Rotherham. 

The 11th and 10th teams in our division then have a playoff game between each other and then face the National One runner-up for a place in the Elior Champ Rugby for season 2026/2027.  There is still some interest in the division. 

I suspect, regarding Cov, a 3rd or 4th place finish in the regular season might be preferable, in terms of finance and profitability, as the playoff game itself will be all pay as Season Memberships are not valid for playoff games. 

Finally, like me , if you are going to Penzance for the Pirates game, can I request your support in cheering Cov home in this vital match? On a ground where Cov hopes have been dashed on far too many occasions, including last season's car crash, let's give the boys our support the very best we can for 80 minutes.  A W , and a hoarse throat, I can live with! 

Here's hoping for the best! 

The Playoff Stakes - 2026

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 12/04/2026 10:16

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
12/04/2026 10:16

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:06:09:12:07:58 by Kimbo.

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Maxee
05/05/2026 10:39

Stakes are pretty high at the weekend. Winner of Cov versus Worcester avoids Ealing in the semi final after a home QF. This is probably the hardest Promotion Pay Off route in global sport, but it’s a fraction of a percentage more likely from 3rd than 4th.

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Kimbo
05/05/2026 12:06

Quote:

Maxee
This is probably the hardest Promotion Pay Off route in global sport...

And probably the least rewarding.

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TryBlues
06/05/2026 00:36

You can come 4th and still play Blues, it is the highest remaining team from the league stage that go to Goldington Road on a Friday night.

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Paul I
06/05/2026 08:14

Quote:

TryBlues
You can come 4th and still play Blues, it is the highest remaining team from the league stage that go to Goldington Road on a Friday night.

If GR still have any tickets left, of course! 😊

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Cov1981
06/05/2026 21:42

Has everyone seen this re the window in which season ticket holders should buy their ticket? [coventryrugby.co.uk]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:05:06:21:43:27 by Cov1981.

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TryBlues
06/05/2026 22:57

True! My moan is the final should be somewhere like Saints, Quins, Tiger, MK Dons, as if Coventry, Worcester or Blues were against one another it would be a sell out (maybe not Dons) but the stadiums would be packed.

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Kimbo
07/05/2026 10:15

Quote:

TryBlues
True! My moan is the final should be somewhere like Saints, Quins, Tiger, MK Dons, as if Coventry, Worcester or Blues were against one another it would be a sell out (maybe not Dons) but the stadiums would be packed.

Welford Road or Jimmy's maybe - but please, not the franchise ground 😉

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JAB1957
07/05/2026 10:37

I suggest The Stoop - the limousines taking the RFU top brass, won't have too far to drive!

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SunMan62
07/05/2026 13:11

Quote:

JAB1957
I suggest The Stoop - the limousines taking the RFU top brass, won't have too far to drive!

You think they will be at all interested?

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JAB1957
07/05/2026 15:10

I was being a little sarcastic, but it will be interesting to see if anyone from the upper echelons of the RFU hierarchy turn up to the final.

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Cov kid 42
07/05/2026 15:30

Thank goodness we have the Saturday kick off v either Hartpury or C Pirates.
Would not care to predict who of the two, Will be quite a game at Hartpury on Saturday.


JB

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Straightout
07/05/2026 19:02

Yes safe to assume Chinnor will come 5th as they will beat Richmond at home.. Hartpury or pirates at home for us..both in form and v strong teams. Whisper it quietly but I think they are harder than Chinnor on current form. Pirates put nearly 60 on Chinnor recently and Hartpury are bang in form and flying.. a great game awaits next week and a big test although we are artificial pitch kings! Api and Co will run wild and go for it.. I think Hartpury will beat pirates but close so it may be them. We will need 5000 next week too.

For Saturday against Worcester I think we may have Tiki back for a week but he will miss the play off as army playing the navy on the 16th.. good news for Saturday if he can play due to second row shortage.. not sure latest on Dan Green if anyone has heard



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:05:08:07:21:03 by Straightout.

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Steve.B50
08/05/2026 07:42

Dan Green is back training but not able to play tomorrow, in all honesty I thought we did well down in Cornwall 2nd row wise. When is Jack Shine available again?

Regarding going further I always enjoy my trips to Bedford and would rather give them by cash than Ealing as its such a soleless place.
Has anyone else seen the rumors about Ealing talking to the URC?

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Straightout
08/05/2026 08:18

Thanks for info on Dan Green Steve. Sounds promising that he may be ok for next weeks quarter final which is great as Tiki away.. Jack Shine too will be available next week as he missed pirates and Worcester so it’s looking rosy!

Good to hear Mackenzie Graham and young Sam did well last week but we could do with extra power/choice.

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