RON BANKS APPOINTED VICE CHAIRMAN

Ron shaking hands with Jake Sweeting following our record 72-6 win over Cornwall RLFC at The Memorial Ground

Club stalwart appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Canes

We are delighted to confirm that, following discussions with Chairman Mike Lomas, club legend Ron Banks has been appointed as the Hurricanes Vice Chairman with immediate effect.

Ron drew plaudits last season when we published a moving photo of the club veteran battling the elements whilst timekeeping our 18-10 victory over North Wales Crusaders. However, that photograph was a mere snapshot of Ron’s dedication to the sport. Ron has been an ever-active member of the rugby league community in the Midlands, having become involved with Coventry Bears after seeing an advert in the Coventry Telegraph. His two and a half decades of experience in the sport has seen the Barrow-born-turned-Midlander go on to take part in pretty much every role there is in rugby league (save for taking to the field…yet!).

Following the re-brand to Midlands Hurricanes in 2022, Ron has continued to be a loyal member of the Hurricanes staff and his continued efforts have been rewarded by this appointment.

Mike had this to say on appointing Ron as Vice Chairman:

“I am delighted to appoint Ron as Vice-Chairman. I can’t think of anybody who would deserve it more.

For those who don’t know Ron, he has been involved in rugby league in the Midlands for many, many years. In more recent times, fans will have seen Ron opposite the main stand in the dug-out as our official timekeeper, a role he has embodied for the Canes since its inception (and before).

He is a long-standing and committed member of the club and is a talisman of the Midlands rugby league community who has helped grow the club over the time I have been involved. I have every confidence he will continue to do this.”

We also spoke with Ron regarding his appointment by Mike as Vice Chairman:

“I was delighted to be asked by Mike to take up the role of Vice Chairman of the Midlands Hurricanes.

For over 25 years I have been involved with Rugby League in the Midlands - first with Coventry Bears and then with the Hurricanes.

Alan Robinson and I started the Coventry Bears and together we took them from an amateur team playing in the Midlands Premier and National Conference League 3 to a semi-professional level by joining League One.

However, it was apparent that in order to grow rugby league in the Midlands a new approach was needed.

Alan’s vision attracted current Chairman Mike Lomas, who saw the potential of a new club in a new city and the Coventry Bears morphed into the Midlands Hurricanes. Fortunately for the team, Mike’s energy, drive and “know how” have taken us to a position where we can go on to the next level.

An example of that is the team that Mike has assembled with CEO Gregg Wood and some new board members. In Mark Dunning and Leigh Beattie we have an award-winning management team whose professionalism is second to none. They have put together a back room team to compliment the exciting squad they have assembled for the upcoming season.

I am looking forward to continuing to help with the growth of the Hurricanes and rugby league in the Midlands and I hope that my experience of Midlands rugby and knowledge of the hard working rugby league people in and around Birmingham will help us all on this fantastic journey.”

We are sure that everyone will join us in welcoming Ron into his new role at the club.