Coventry and Warwickshire is set to get its first taste of live Rugby League after the formation of the Coventry Bears Rugby League Football Club.

The club will run in conjunction with Coventry Rugby Union Football Club, and will play all of their home fixtures at the Coundon Road ground.

The Bears were formed after three Rugby League players from Coventry University, director Alan Robinson, secretary Chris Norman and Mark Adie, found a large enthusiasm for the sport in the Coventry and Warwickshire area.

Robinson had ample experience of the game having been captain of the  Great Britain Students team as well as playing professionally for Featherstone Rovers and representing Ireland as a full international.

He and Norman subsequently began discussions with Coventry Rugby Club and the concept will become reality on Sunday when the Bears take on Leicester Phoenix at Coundon Road.

Norman is delighted at the progress of the venture but says it is still essential that the team secure further support and sponsorship.

He said:

"We played our first friendly fixture last week away against Worcester Saints who compete in the Rugby League Summer Conference and we were delighted because we won that game 40–15.

"We are planning to go into the Rugby League Summer Conference next season after we have played a summer of friendly matches, so this result bodes very well for us.

"However, we do need to gain a support base right through from corporate hospitality to a kit sponsor.

"The idea of the club is that it will be a great sport for families to come along and watch. Events at the home game on Sunday will start at 1.30pm and we have several things lined up which include bouncy castles, a gladiators duel and a ‘giant bear’ mascot."