The agreement commits the Club to staging a minimum of three men’s Metro Bank One Day Cup matches at Rugby School each season until 2028, building on the success of previous fixtures at the ground and strengthening the Bears’ presence across Warwickshire.
The new partnership also establishes Rugby School as a recognised strategic partner of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, creating a long-term relationship designed to benefit pupils, players, supporters and the wider cricket community.
Beyond hosting professional cricket, the agreement includes a range of initiatives aimed at developing the game across eastern Warwickshire. Rugby School's ground staff will receive professional training and development opportunities led by Warwickshire’s Head of Sports Turf, Gary Barwell, while the Club will expand its use of the School’s cricket facilities for age-group and academy programmes, creating an important base for player development in the eastern part of the county.
The partnership will also deliver a programme of community engagement focused on growing participation in cricket and strengthening the links between the School and the local community. Three community cricket festivals will be staged at Rugby School across the summers of 2026 and 2027.
Stuart Cain, Chief Executive of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: "We're delighted to formalise our partnership with Rugby School through to 2028. The venue has proved to be an outstanding host for Bears cricket and has provided a fantastic experience for players, Members and supporters alike.
"This agreement is about much more than hosting matches. It reflects a shared ambition to develop cricket across Warwickshire, create opportunities for young players, support the development of excellent facilities and engage more people with the game.
"Rugby School's facilities and location make it an ideal base for our age-group and academy programmes, while the commitment to community engagement will help us inspire the next generation of cricketers in eastern Warwickshire."
Gareth Parker-Jones, Head Master of Rugby School, said: "We are delighted to formalise our relationship with Warwickshire CCC. The Close provides an iconic setting for professional cricket with the matches providing a great opportunity for people in Rugby and the surrounding area to watch top-level cricket.
“Importantly the wide-ranging nature of the partnership means that Rugby School will become an important hub for growing participation in the game and will continue to provide a route for those who have aspirations to play at the highest level."
The Bears' continued presence at Rugby School forms part of Warwickshire's commitment to taking professional cricket across the county and ensuring more supporters have the opportunity to watch elite cricket on their doorstep. The partnership also sets the ambition to host professional women's fixtures at Rugby School in the future.
Further details on fixtures at Rugby School will be announced as part of future domestic schedules.
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