June 19, 2025

Fixture confirmation for 2025/26 and National League Rugby 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).

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 3rd place will enter a one-legged play-off, subject to them meeting the Champ Rugby Minimum Operating Standards. (Proposed Date: 9th May 2026)
  • The winner of that play-off will then enter an ‘Accession Final’ where they will play the loser of the play-off game between the teams placed 12th and 13th in Champ Rugby. (Proposed Date: 23rd May 2026)
  • The winner of the one-legged ‘Accession Final’ will join the champions of National 1 in Champ Rugby.

In addition to this, there will also be play-offs which will impact the bottom of National One:

  • The three runners-up from the National Two leagues, along with the team finishing fourth from bottom in National One, will enter the play-offs.
  • The National One team will face the National Two runner-up with the worst record in the play-offs. The other two National Two runners-up will play each other. (Proposed Date: 9th May 2026)
  • The winners of those matches will meet in the ‘National One Accession Final’ and the winner of that game will secure a place in National One for the 2026/27 season. The highest-seeded team will be at home. (Proposed Date: 16th May 2026)

As for National Two and the opening day, in the 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.

National Two Information

With a play-off system being introduced to National One, it also filters down to the bottom of National Two in the form of the National Two Relegation and Regional 1 Promotion play-offs.

From an NLR perspective, the 12th-placed sides in National Two North, East and West will host the winners of the Regional play-offs to stay in National Two. (Proposed Date: 9th May 2026)

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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