Fixture confirmation for the 2025/26 season and National One play-off details
While many of you may already know your fixtures for the 2025/26 season, we can now give you a rundown of what to expect from the new campaign which begins on September 6th. (Photo Credit: Bob Collins).
We are currently in the process of revamping our website, but for a full list of fixtures for your league, please click below!
🗓️ NATIONAL ONE
On the opening day in National One, newly-promoted Leeds Tykes host Plymouth Albion while fellow newcomers Tonbridge Juddians begin with a trip to Leicester Lions. Elsewhere, Clifton start their journey in the third tier with a visit from Blackheath.
Last year’s runners-up Rosslyn Park begin at The Rock against Dings Crusaders, while Rotherham Titans go to Sale FC.
Also in National One for the upcoming season, there will be an opportunity for not one but TWO clubs to be promoted to ‘Champ Rugby’.
As part of the new-look Champ Rugby, a play-off and (Access Final) has been designed.
National One Information
- The winner of National 1 will be promoted to Champ Rugby, subject to them meeting the Champ Rugby Minimum Operating Standards.
- The National 1 runners-up and the team that finishes in third place will enter a one-legged play-off, subject to them meeting the Champ Rugby Minimum Operating Standards.
- The winner of that play-off will then enter an ‘Access Final’ where they will play the loser of the play-off game between the teams placed 12th and 13th in Champ Rugby.
- The winner of the one-legged ‘Access Final’ will join the champions of National 1 in Champ Rugby.
Over in National Two North, Darlington Mowden Park – who were relegated to the fourth tier for the first time in 11 years last term – begin a new chapter for the club by visiting Scunthorpe on the opening day. As for the hosts, after a five-year absence, they are back in National League Rugby following promotion from Regional 1 North East.
Elsewhere, new boys Rossendale get things underway at Hull while Macclesfield – who were placed in National Two North for this season – welcome Sheffield Tigers to Priory Park. Possible title candidates Sheffield take on Otley at Abbeydale Park.
In National Two East, Esher may once again be aiming for an immediate return to National One, and they begin their latest campaign at level four with a home clash against Sevenoaks. Last year’s runners-up, Dorking, entertain newcomers London Welsh – who have won five promotions in the last seven seasons – while one of the blockbuster fixtures of the opening weekend sees Barnes face Canterbury.
Meanwhile, Oundle – who clinched the Regional 1 South East title last term – begin their National League Rugby adventure at home to Havant.
After coming so close to promotion last season, Camborne may well be one of the favourites for the National Two West crown in 2025/26. Steve Larkins’ side have already been busy bolstering their squad, and have caught the eye by bringing Premiership winner and Fijian international Sam Matavesi back to The Recreation Ground.
The Cherry and Whites start the new season away at Chester, whilst Barnstaple’s return to the National Leagues begins at home to Old Redcliffians. Fellow new boys Syston are set to be the first visitors to Cinderford’s new state-of-the-art 3G pitch at Dockham Road.
2025/26 Round One Fixtures
National One: Bishop’s Stortford v Birmingham Moseley, Clifton v Blackheath, Leeds Tykes v Plymouth Albion, Leicester Lions v Tonbridge Juddians, Rosslyn Park v Dings Crusaders, Sale FC v Rotherham, Sedgley Park v Rams.
National Two North: Fylde v Hull Ionians, Hull v Rossendale, Macclesfield v Sheffield Tigers, Preston Grasshoppers v Billingham, Scunthorpe v Darlington Mowden Park, Sheffield v Otley, Tynedale v Wharfedale.
National Two East: Barnes v Canterbury, Dorking v London Welsh, Esher v Sevenoaks, Henley v Guernsey, Old Albanian v Bury St Edmunds, Oundle v Havant, Oxford Harlequins v Westcombe Park.
National Two West: Barnstaple v Old Redcliffians, Chester v Camborne, Cinderford v Syston, Hornets v Hinckley, Luctonians v Lymm, Redruth v Loughborough Students, Taunton v Exeter University.
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