Barkers’ Butts RFC in Coventry have been awarded the RFU Seal of Approval and Sport England Clubmark. The club was presented with the awards at their annual dinner, a particularly fitting occasion as they were celebrating 50 years of playing colts rugby.

The certificates were presented by ex-Bath and England international Nigel Redman. Alison Quigley, the club’s Seal of Approval Co-ordinator and Clubmark Co-ordinator, and Mark Richardson, Chairperson of the mini and junior section, received the awards which will enable Barkers’ Butts to continue to encourage children and young people to enjoy the game of rugby in a safe and child friendly environment.

Barkers’ Butts developed and launched the careers of many Premiership and English international players, including Rob Hardwick, Andy Goode, Leon Lloyd, Danny Grewcock, Neil Back, James Hamilton (all Leicester Tigers) and Bill Gittings. More recently, Alex Rae and Nicky Whitehall, now training with the Worcester Academy, have represented England Schools U18s.