Over the next few weeks, we’re getting to know a few of the stars of our recent season launch video a little better. Today, we delve deeper into our relationship with Coventry University.

Coventry University and the Coventry Bears are far from strangers; let’s not forget, the Bears founder and CEO - Alan Robinson - first played the sport when he came to Coventry as a wide-eyed 18-year-old.

The rest, as they say, is history.

But, as the Bears have grown and joined the professional ranks, their link with their home city’s University hasn’t deviated - if anything, it’s grown.

Players such as Kieran Sherratt, Dan Gover, Chris Barratt and Peter Ryan have all made the progression from the University to the Bears’ first team and 2019 will see yet more players graduate from BUCS to Betfred League 1.

As we’ve already confirmed, loose forward Leon Harber, second row/centre John Sipawa and prop Euan Tiernan have all signed for the Bears in 2019, and will combine playing for us with their studies.

Another strengthened link between Bears and University is Tom Tsang, who is now head coach of both sides.

Tom said: “The relationship between the Bears and the University is a scholarship partnership where some of our players will combine their studies and their higher education degrees with playing for the Bears.

“I can’t wait to see some of the players that have made their first steps playing for the University transition in to the Bears, and follow the pathway that others guys have done.”

If you’re reading this and fancy combining studying at a world-class University with playing semi-professional rugby league, visit the Coventry University website to find out more about their sports scholarships.

Don’t forget to snap up your season tickets to see how our hard-running and hard-tackling scholars get on in 2019. Included with season tickets is entry to our pre-season friendly at home to the Leeds Rhinos on Friday 18 January.