Three Coventry businessmen have been appointed to the board of the newly formed Coventry Rugby Club.

They are Ted Stocker, the former vice-chairman of Coventry City Football Club; Des Willis, head of a successful engineering company and Martin Rourke, managing director of a laser machinery manufacturing company.

Keith Fairbrother, managing director of the rugby club said:

"They are three respected businessmen who have had rugby's and particularly Coventry's interests at heart.

"They are fully in favour of the direction Coventry is now taking and will be working in the interests of the club and its members without remuneration."

Ted Stocker, retired head of a highly successful Coventry telecommunications company is still an associate director at Coventry City. He will have special responsibility for forging links with the City Council on the club's proposed move to the Butts Stadium.

He will be recruiting a team from among the club's membership to help drive through the move from Coundon Road.

Des Willis, director of a Coventry engineering company, is a former player with Standard Rugby Club of which he is now president. He will be a valuable link between the board of directors and the supporters.