New Ground Plans For Kenilworth Rugby Club Approved
Kenilworth Rugby Club’s plans for a new ground that will 'rival any in the Midlands' have been given the go ahead.
The approval from Warwick Council’s planning committee means the club will leave its current Glasshouse Lane home of 74 years in time for the start of the 2022-23 season.
The new ground, on land to the east of Warwick Road south of Kenilworth Cricket Club, will feature three full size and three junior grass pitches, a 3G pitch, physiotherapy suite, gym, bars, cafes and function rooms.
Peter Blakeman, Club Chairman, said: “This decision is a very welcome next step in our journey to delivering a facility that will safeguard the future of our club and the community we are proud to be part of, for many years to come.”
Kenilworth RFC has enjoyed a strong few seasons on the pitch under the guidance of former New Zealand and France international coach, Dave Ellis.
This culminated in a glittering 2018/19 season in which the Blue and Golds lifted the RFU Intermediate Cup at Twickenham Stadium as well as the Midlands Intermediate Cup and claiming the Midlands Two West South title.
They were well placed to make it successive promotions the following season sitting second in Midlands One West behind Dudley Kingswinford when Covid-19 cancelled the season. Like most other junior clubs across the country, they haven't played since the first match weekend in March 2020.
The global pandemic, however, hasn't stopped Kenilworth from making strides off the pitch.
Director of Rugby, Jai Purewal, said: “The new ground will rival any in the Midlands and will help to make us a really attractive proposition for any player looking to be the best they can be. It will let us provide the best possible facilities and support services to our players.
“It will also build on our ambition to be an integral part of the community we serve by opening up the game and the club’s facilities to a wider audience.”
Kerry Kirwan, Chairman of the club’s Mini and Junior set-up which has more than 350 youngsters in its ranks, said: ”Those players are the future of the club so it’s wonderful to think they will have access to some of the best facilities in the region to continue their rugby journey.”
