National League Rugby’s ‘Teams of the Season’
Following another memorable National League Rugby campaign, our media team – with input from Directors of Rugby and Head Coaches – selected their ‘Teams of the Season’ for 2025/26. (Photo Credit: Alex Rowles Photography)
15: Issac Shaw (Rotherham Titans), Sam Freeman (Preston Grasshoppers), Alex Noot (Old Albanian), Kyle Moyle (Camborne)
Rotherham’s Isaac Shaw started every game in his debut season and quickly established himself as a key cog in the Titans’ impressive backline. Dependable and influential throughout, he played a major role in National One’s most efficient attacking unit.
Preston’s Sam Freeman made a major difference in steering the Hoopers clear of any relegation worry in National Two North, finishing the campaign as the league’s second-highest points scorer. His influence enormous for Dan Orwin’s troops.
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As for Alex Noot, the versatile back was central to Old Albanian’s impressive season. Comfortable across the backline, a high-class all-round footballer.
Camborne’s Kyle Moyle, who retired at the end of the season, was a driving force in their title-winning campaign.
14: Jackson Barling (Rotherham Titans), Samson Shute (Macclesfield), Rian Hamilton (Oundle), Rob Aikman (Luctonians)
See Isaac Shaw at full-back and apply the same description to Jackson Barling. The Australian crossed 24 times in National One. Clinical, elusive and deadly in open space, he proved a constant threat. Macclesfield’s Samson Shute also boasted an enviable strike rate after a stellar season for the Cheshire club, finishing with 22 tries in National Two North.
Rian Hamilton may have finished fifth in the National Two East scoring charts, but his impact for Oundle went far beyond raw numbers. His experience and sharp eye for the tryline were central to the club’s promotion push and eventual National One Accession final appearance.
Rob Aikman’s Players’ Player of the Year award at Luctonians underlined the influence he carried at Mortimer Park this season. Consistent and dependable throughout, he was a standout performer. Hornets’ Josh Sheppard unfortunate to miss out.
13: Lloyd Hayes (Rotherham Titans), Joe Beaty (Tynedale), Matt Hema (Bury St Edmunds), James Wheeler (Luctonians)
Lloyd Hayes and end-of-season recognition have become familiar companions over the last three National League Rugby campaigns and, on Rotherham’s return to the Champ, the 34-year-old was once again central to their success.
National One’s top points scorer, Hayes also delivered in the biggest moments, none more so than his clutch drop-goal in Rotherham’s crucial March win over title rivals Plymouth Albion. The big question now is whether he can go again in English rugby’s second tier.
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Joe Beaty, Tynedale’s Player of the Season, was outstanding as the North-East side finished second in National Two North and reached the play-offs. A nod towards Harry Blackwell of Macclesfield too, who scored 16 tries for the Blues.
Matt Hema’s quality and wealth of experience proved vital in guiding Bury St Edmunds to the National Two East title, while Luctonians’ James Wheeler was the standout operator for the Herefordshire outfit as he bagged the club’s Player of the Season award.
Hinckley’s Will Callan – who scored 22 tries in an excellent National Two West campaign for the Midlands club – more than deserves a mention.
12: Travis Gordon (Rotherham Titans), Harry Oliver (Macclesfield), Samir Kharbouch (Bury St Edmunds), Josh Matavasi (Camborne)
A back-rower by trade last season, Travis Gordon’s move to inside centre proved a masterstroke for Rotherham. His explosive ball-carrying and physical presence made him a constant handful and a key figure in the Titans’ title-winning campaign.
The same could be said of Josh Matavesi at Camborne, whose smart running lines and experience proved invaluable during Town’s excellent National Two West season. Macclesfield’s Harry Oliver and Bury St Edmunds’ Samir Kharbouch also deserve major credit for their influence.
Oliver, who has been at Macc since Under-6s, finished as National Two North’s top points scorer and underlined his value once again. Meanwhile, Kharbouch brought up a century of appearances for Bury and provided a crucial source of energy and impetus throughout the campaign.
11: Luke Mehson (Rosslyn Park), Chris Hooper (Sheffield), James Bottrill (Esher), Alex Ducker (Camborne)
A seriously dangerous quartet. Rosslyn Park’s Mehson was electric throughout the campaign, none more so than in April when he scored a remarkable seven tries in a single game against Leicester Lions in National One.
Chris Hooper once again topped the National Two North try-scoring charts, crossing 34 times as champions Sheffield powered to promotion.
In National Two East, James Bottrill’s clinical finishing proved crucial in helping Mike Brown’s Esher steer clear of relegation trouble. He finished with 32 tries to his name.
And Alex Ducker’s blistering pace and ability to leave defenders trailing in his wake were central to Camborne’s historic promotion from National Two West.
10: Iwan Jenkins (Plymouth Albion), Callum Posa (Sheffield), Ben Penfold (Bury St Edmunds), Tom Putt (Taunton)
After a successful loan spell during Plymouth Albion’s excellent National One campaign, Iwan Jenkins will return to Brickfields for 2026/27. His control and composure in the No 10 shirt stood out across 23 appearances, with the fly-half playing a major role in Albion’s impressive season.
Callum Posa, Ben Penfold and Tom Putt also deserve recognition after outstanding campaigns for their respective clubs. Their game management, skillsets and remarkable accuracy from the tee kept their sides ticking throughout the season. Posa finished as the third-highest points scorer in National Two North, while Penfold and Putt led the way in National Two East and West.
9: Jordan Burns (Blackheath), Elliot Fisher (Sheffield), Lewis Finlay (Oundle), CJ Boyce (Camborne)
Burns’ experience and all-round contribution were key to Blackheath’s memorable promotion-winning campaign, none more so than in their Champ Rugby Accession final victory over London Scottish. His contestable box-kicks and ability to control the tempo proved crucial for ‘Club’.
Elliot Fisher was once again pivotal in Sheffield’s success, while Lewis Finlay’s influence on Oundle was reflected in both his Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards. Camborne’s CJ Boyce also impressed with an excellent campaign.
1: Alastair Donker (Rotherham Titans), Alex Reid (Sheffield), Harry Morley (Oundle), George Patten (Hinckley)
All four looseheads featured heavily throughout the campaign, each making 20 or more appearances for their respective clubs. Rotherham were once again formidable up front, with Donker playing a key role in their dominance during another strong season. Reid’s influence for Sheffield was underlined by his Player of the Season award, reflecting his consistency and impact for Anthony Posa’s side.
Morley was also part of one of the most powerful forward packs not only in National Two East but across Levels 3 and 4, while George Patten’s all-round game caught the eye, particularly with his return of eight tries. Little wonder ambitious National Two East side Oundle have acquired his services.
2: Billy Harding (Blackheath), Ben Stephenson (Hull Ionians), Grant Snelling (Oundle), Ben Priddey (Camborne)
Billy Harding’s inclusion might have been the most predictable thing in this article, other than his own try-scoring exploits. Blackheath’s captain scored in every regular-season game and took his tally to 49 for the campaign with a try in ‘Club’s Champ Rugby Accession final victory over London Scottish. His leadership and dynamism were just as influential as his finishing.
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Grant Snelling’s nose for the tryline was also seriously impressive, while Ben Priddey was once again a force to be reckoned with for Camborne, topping the National Two West try-scoring charts for a third successive season.
As for Hull Ionians’ Ben Stephenson, a Coaches’ Player of the Year award underlines his contribution in a fourth-placed finish in National Two North.
3: Dan Pullinger (Plymouth Albion), Oscar Caudle (Tynedale), Ben Cooper (Bury St Edmunds), Issac Dalton (Taunton)
Our four selections at tighthead all played their part in excellent seasons for their respective clubs.
Dan Pullinger has been a consistent operator in National One for Plymouth Albion for some time now, as has Taunton’s Isaac Dalton, while Tynedale skipper Oscar Caudle and Bury St Edmunds co-captain Ben Cooper both led effectively from the front.
4: Frankie Gascoigne (Rotherham), Will Nankivell (Tynedale), Ben Sams (Bury St Edmunds), Adam Hughes (Camborne)
After three appearances last season for Rotherham, Frankie Gascoigne enjoyed what felt like a breakthrough year at Clifton Lane in the second row, establishing himself as a key presence. Will Nankivell also shone as a classy operator for Tynedale throughout the campaign.
Young Ben Sams caught the eye for Bury St Edmunds during their title-winning season, while Adams Hughes’ all-round impact was particularly noticeable in Camborne’s successful campaign.
5: Ed Scragg (Blackheath), Dom Parsons (Sheffield), Kieran Frost (Oundle), Owien Harriott-Davis (Luctonians)
Most followers of National One – and especially those of Blackheath – will point to Ed Scragg’s influence this term. The exceptional lineout operator was key to Club’s success, while the leadership, work rate, and experience of Sheffield’s Dom Parsons was never in doubt.
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Kieran Frost’s National League Rugby nous and quality was another standout feature in Oundle’s well-oiled pack while versatile forward Owien Harriott-Davis also impressed, showcasing his athleticism and powerful ball-carrying throughout the National Two West season.
6: John Okafor (Rotherham Titans), Harry Hughes (Macclesfield), George Grigg-Pettitt (Bury St Edmunds), Sam Matavesi (Camborne)
The dynamism of John Okafor over recent seasons has hardly wavered, and this campaign was no different. The powerful forward was once again outstanding for Harvey Biljon’s side, bringing energy, physicality and relentless work rate.
Harry Hughes and George Grigg-Pettitt also delivered hugely influential campaigns, adding steel, durability and consistency to Macclesfield and Bury St Edmunds respectively.
As for Fijian international Sam Matavesi, the Premiership and Top 14 winner added another medal to his collection with Camborne. Operating in the back row, his experience, ball carrying and leadership proved invaluable as he led by example throughout their promotion-winning season.
7: Noah Sloot (Blackheath), Adam Brankley (Hull Ionians), Trystan Andrews (Bury St Edmunds), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne)
It was impossible to ignore these four when it came to selecting our opensides. Noah Sloot was a serious operator in Blackheath’s back-row while Adam Brankley’s versatility – and 17 tries – were key in Hull Ionians’ strong National Two North term.
Trystan Andrews’ presence and athleticism caught the eye for Bury St Edmunds while Jordan Nicholls – not for the first time – was excellent for title-winning Camborne, scoring 12 tries across the season.
8: Ben Moa (Plymouth Albion), Zak Poole (Sheffield), Nick Cook (Westcombe Park), Ratu Vakalutukali (Taunton)
Gainline threats, carries, defenders beaten – this quarter of No.8’s displayed these attributes across the course of the season.
Moa’s explosiveness was evident for Plymouth, Poole’s experience stood out for Sheffield while Cook’s ability to cut through opposition defences might be one of the reasons why the National Two East player has recently been snapped up by Champ side Blackheath.
As for Vakalutukali, he led by example for Taunton yet again, none more so than in their two victories against eventual league winners Camborne.
Coach/DoR’s of the Year: Tom Stradwick (Blackheath), Anthony Posa (Sheffield), James Shanahan (Bury St Edmunds), Emyr Lewis (Hinckley)
National One’s winner could easily have been Harvey Biljon, who guided Rotherham back to the Champ for the first time since 2018.
However, having stepped into the Head Coach role at Blackheath at the start of the campaign, assembled his backroom staff and recruited shrewdly, Tom Stradwick’s achievement in leading Blackheath to second place and promotion just edged it.
Anthony Posa’s influence at Sheffield cannot be underestimated. Arriving at the club at the end of 2021 with the Yorkshire outfit sitting fifth in the Regional Leagues, Sheffield have since been on an upward trajectory. Back-to-back record-breaking seasons were followed by a historic promotion this term from National Two North.
As for James Shanahan, his first season at Bury St Edmunds ended with a fifth promotion from National Two in his coaching career, having previously achieved that feat with Cambridge, Old Albanian (twice) and Blackheath.
And whilst both Tom Kessell (Camborne) and Rob Lewis/George Thomas (Luctonians) oversaw excellent seasons at their clubs, Emyr Lewis ended his tenure at Hinckley by guiding them to third place, equalling the highest finish in the club’s history.
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