A new teaching programme could be a potential route for teenagers into professional rugby union, a sports club says.
The 34-week course was launched by Coventry Rugby FC and Coventry College for 18-year-old male students.
It is aimed at sixth form and college leavers to develop their sport and coaching skills, the organisations say.
Coventry Rugby head coach Alex Rae said it could also be a way of the students ending up playing rugby for a living.
“If someone comes on this programme and excels, I am not frightened to give them their chance in our first team in the Championship,” he said.