The pre-season schedule is in — here is what the 1st XV have lined up
Gareth Pugh
Published 20 Jun 2026
Pre-season is never glamorous but it is where things get settled. The 1st XV training block gets underway on the week of 5th July — Tuesdays and Thursdays at the usual time — and the pre-season fixture schedule has been confirmed.
Three friendlies before the season proper:
22nd August — Faversham RFC (Away)
A decent early test. Faversham are well organised and play with structure. Getting off home turf for the first game is good for the group — away trips at this stage of the season sharpen concentration.
5th September — Effingham RFC (Home)
First home pre-season fixture. A good chance for the squad to find their rhythm at Willoughby Fields with the crowd behind them. Come down and give them a send-off.
12th September — St Francis RFC (Home)
The last tune-up before the league starts. St Francis have been putting together some good squads and this should be a proper workout ahead of the serious stuff.
A week off, then the league season starts on the 26th September.
If you are thinking about coming back to rugby after a break — or thinking about having a go for the first time — training is open. The first session is always the hardest one to walk into. It gets easier quickly from there.
React if this resonated.