After a strong end to the season, confirming their place in the National Leagues for the 38th consecutive year, lets have a look at who the 1st XV may be up against next season. We will be welcoming back to Nat.2 West, Leicester Lions and 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 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 4 games played on artificial surfaces, this could become 5 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.

This is all unofficial so watch this space.

1. Luctonians (482) **
2. Hinckley (682) **
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. Leicester Lions (566 relegated from National 1) **
13. Clifton (344 relegated from National 1)
14. Chester (644) P or Lymm (648) P **
Notes: The figures in brackets are travel distances.
**Indicates an overnight stay before the match.
‘P’ indicates artificial pitches