After a revolt in the North we now have the make up of our league for the new season. Macclesfield who finished 3rd in National 2 North, having been placed in National 2 West, have declined to take up their place and have been relegated by the RFU to Level 5. This means a reprieve for Loughborough Students who would have otherwise been relegated. This makes little difference to the Reds terms of travel as its a long way to the East Midlands and we gain another artificial pitch.

This will be the Reds 38th consecutive year in the National Leagues which is something the club can be justly proud of. We will be welcoming back to Nat.2 West Clifton from National 1 and promoted from Level 5 Bournville and Devonport Services. All of these teams have played the Reds at Level 4 previously and in the case of Clifton we have been locking horns for many years and have had many memorable encounters. For once the travel gods have have at least smiled slightly in the Reds direction and travel in 2026/2027 should be a little less than last season (only a little though). There will be 4 overnight stays and 5 games played on artificial surfaces, this could become 6 if Exeter Unis main pitch is unplayable as it often is mid-winter. Devonport Services will now be our local derby so the away game just before Christmas will tie in nicely for some last minute present shopping.

1. Luctonians (482) **
2. Hinckley (570) **
3. Taunton (258)
4. Hornets (416) P
5. Barnstaple (200)
6. Cinderford (404) P
7. Old Redcliffians (346)
8. Redruth
9. Exeter University (200) ?P
10. Devonport Services (122 promoted from South West 1)
11. Bournville (500 promoted from Midlands 1) P
12. Lymm (646) P**
13. Clifton (344 relegated from National 1)
14. Loughborough Students (598) P**
Notes: The figures in brackets are travel distances.
**Indicates an overnight stay before the match.
‘P’ indicates artificial pitches