Leicester Tigers are excited to announce a new ACE Partnership with Coventry College.
An exciting opportunity for both the club and aspiring rugby players in the region, the announcement follows a restructuring of Premiership Academy territories, which has seen Tigers' development pathways expand into the Coventry area.
The new partnership will provide Coventry College with a place in the national ACE league for the 2025/26 season, competing against other Premiership-linked colleges.
It will also see the Tigers Academy working closely with Coventry College’s Rugby Education Programme to provide high-performance coaching, player development, and academic support, ensuring that aspiring young athletes receive the best possible preparation for professional rugby careers.
As part of this agreement, Leicester Tigers and Coventry College will work together to develop young players in Coventry and the surrounding areas. The partnership will include sharing expertise across coaching, strength and conditioning, medical support, and player analysis, ensuring a structured and professional environment for emerging talent.
The collaboration will also provide Coventry College students with access to Leicester Tigers' professional rugby environment, offering unique insights and experiences to aid their progression both academically and athletically.
Speaking about the partnership, Leicester Tigers General Manager Richard Wilks said:
“We are delighted to formalise this partnership with Coventry College and to build on the strong foundations already in place.
“Tigers' connection with the Coventry area has always been strong, but with us now expanding our pathways into the region, we will hopefully see many more kids from Coventry aspiring to play in a Tigers shirt one day.
“This collaboration is about more than just rugby—it’s about providing young athletes with the best possible opportunities for development, education, and future careers in the game.
“The ability to align with a respected education provider like Coventry College allows us to extend our reach and support even more young players on their journey to becoming professional rugby players.”
Coventry College Head of Rugby, Sports Development & Academies Manager Peter Glackin added:
“This partnership with Leicester Tigers represents an incredible opportunity for our students.
“Not only will they benefit from high-level coaching and playing opportunities, but they will also gain invaluable insights into the professional rugby environment.
“We are excited about what this collaboration will bring and look forward to seeing the results on and off the field.”
Leicester Tigers legend Leon Lloyd, who grew up in Coventry, also championed the new partnership, saying: “As a young Coventry kid, my dream was to play for Coventry City FC, but that changed when I joined Barkers Butts RFC in Coventry and became part of a different type of sporting family.
“After only a few seasons, I was invited to trial for Leicester Tigers, following many other Barkers Butts players. It was great to see other Coventry-based players make that same journey over to the Tigers, with many going on to play international rugby.
“It’s great that we are now seeing the player pathway from Coventry to Leicester Tigers Academy at Coventry College, which will provide a fantastic opportunity for players to reach the top level of the game.”
Want to find out more about this programme? Book your place in Coventry College's open event on Wednesday, February 26 (6pm to 8pm).
