The 2026/27 season is almost upon us, but not without disruption. The RFU has ruled that the regular season must be delayed by two weeks to allow clubs additional time to safely and effectively practise contact. Due to the summer drought and the resulting hard ground, many clubs have been unable to complete proper contact preparation.

As a result, both the 1st XV and the Heughers will now begin their league campaigns on Saturday 26th September.

• 1st XV: Away at West Stags
• Heughers: Away at Old Boys 3rd XV

Further fixture adjustments have also been confirmed:

1st XV Additional Fixtures
• Billingham 2nds – 10th October
• Yarm – 19th December

Heughers Fixture Updates
The first two matches against Redcar and Northallerton will need to be rearranged. Dates are currently being worked on with the respective fixture secretaries.

Despite the RFU ruling that competitive league games cannot be played before the new start date, clubs are permitted to play pre‑season friendlies. Rovers have two fixtures lined up:

Pre‑Season Friendlies
• Saturday 5th September – Home vs Peterlee & Horden, 2pm kick‑off
• Saturday 12th September – Home vs Houghton, 3pm kick‑off

Pre‑season training has been well attended, with players responding strongly to the new coaching team and pushing themselves hard through Dan Charters’ fitness sessions. The squad has already benefited from a productive joint training session with Sunderland Rugby Club and now looks forward to the upcoming friendlies and the start of the league season.

Vets Over 35s Fixture
A reminder that there is an Over 35s match on Friday 9th October away at Durham City, 7.30pm kick‑off. Any players aged 35+ who fancy a run out are urged to speak with Darren Smith or Dan Baxter.

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1st XV Fixtures 2026–27

Heughers Fixtures 2026–27