2025–26 Champ Rugby
Rugby union competition in England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2025–26 Champ Rugby was the seventeenth season of the Champ Rugby, the professional second tier of rugby union in England. It was the first season under the rebranded banner of Champ Rugby, succeeding sixteen seasons under RFU Championship branding. The number of teams in the league increased by two, as there was no relegation in the previous season. Ealing Trailfinders are the defending champions. Ealing were not promoted to the Premiership after failing to meet the minimum standards criteria.[1] Richmond were promoted from National League 1 and newly-reestablished Worcester Warriors were added following the old club's period of administration.
Countries
England
EnglandDate3 October 2025 – 31 May 2026
ChampionsWorcester Warriors (4th title)
Runners-upBedford Blues
| 2025–26 Champ Rugby | |
|---|---|
| Countries | England |
| Date | 3 October 2025 – 31 May 2026 |
| Champions | Worcester Warriors (4th title) |
| Runners-up | Bedford Blues |
| Relegated | Cambridge, London Scottish |
| Matches played | 187 |
| Attendance | 383,873 (average 2,053 per match) |
| Highest attendance | 9,000 (2) – Worcester v Coventry, 4 October 2025 Worcester v Chinnor 27 October 2025 |
| Lowest attendance | 357 – L Scottish v Ampthill, 11 April 2026 |
| Tries scored | 1581 (average 8.5 per match) |
| Top point scorer | 248 – Harry Bazalgette (Hartpury) |
| Top try scorer | 23 – Dean Adamson (Bedford) |
Ealing Trailfinders finished top of the table at the end of the league stage. Once again they were easily the best side in the division, winning all 26 league games, and qualifying in first place 30 points clear of second placed Bedford Blues, with both sides gaining a home spot in the Champ play-off semi-finals. The other qualifiers were Coventry, Worcester Warriors, Chinnor and Hartpury who would contest the quarter-finals. Fourth placed Worcester Warriors finished as champions, defeating second placed Bedford Blues in the final, to claim their fourth tier 2 title and tie with Bristol Bears for most championships at this level. Despite victory Worcester were not allowed a chance of promotion as the Rugby Football Union decided to end promotion or relegation for the foreseeable future - a decision made part way through the season.
Cambridge finished bottom of the table and were automatically relegated, following a 7 – 31 home defeat on 11 April to league leaders Ealing Trailfinders, condemning them to the drop with three games still to play, and ending a three year stay at tier 1. They were joined by London Scottish who lost both relegation play-off games, first to Richmond and then to the 2025–26 National League 1 runners up, Blackheath on 23 May 2026, ending 15 seasons at tier 2.
Background
On 15 May 2025, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) unveiled the new format and structure of English rugby's second division branded Champ Rugby. The competition will see a return of relegation to National League 1 and potential promotion to the Premiership, which Tier 2 board chair Simon Gillham said will create "aspiration and jeopardy".[2][3]
The league has been expanded to 14 teams, with 2024–25 National League 1 winners Richmond joining the competition alongside newly reestablished Worcester Warriors, who will mark their return to professional rugby following a period in administration and liquidation of the old club.[4][5]
Structure
League season
The fourteen teams will play each of the other teams twice, once at home and once away from home.
The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:
- 4 points are awarded for a win
- 2 points are awarded for a draw
- 0 points are awarded for a loss, however
- 1 losing (bonus) point is awarded to a team that loses a match by 7 points or fewer
- 1 additional (bonus) point is awarded to a team scoring 4 tries or more in a match
Play-offs and relegation
1st–6th place
The top six sides, after the regular season, will enter into a play-off phase to determine the league champions. The teams that finish in first and second place in the regular season standings will earn automatic home semi-final places. The 3rd–6th placed teams in the league standings will play quarter-finals to determine who makes it to the semi-finals.[2] The eventual champions will then face the bottom placed team in the 2025–26 Premiership for a chance at promotion to the top tier.
12th & 13th
The teams placed 12th and 13th in the table will face each other in single-leg play-off, the loser playing the runner-up in 2025–26 National League 1. The eventual winner will be in Champ Rugby for the 2026–27 season.[2]
14th
The bottom placed side will be automatically relegated to National League 1 for the 2026–27 season. They will be replaced by the National League 1 champions.[2]
Participation teams and location
Fourteen teams will complete in the league – the twelve teams from last season, the champions of National League One and Worcester Warriors. No team was promoted to the Premiership. Last season the RFU's Tier 2 Board ran a tender process for any club, college or university to join this league, if they could meet a growth strategy and minimum operating standards. On 3 April 2025 the RFU announced that Worcester Warriors will return to professional rugby, two and half years after going into administration.[6][7]
Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ealing Trailfinders | 26 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 1125 | 437 | +688 | 23 | 0 | 127 | Play-off semi-finals |
| 2 | Bedford Blues | 26 | 18 | 1 | 7 | 802 | 643 | +159 | 20 | 3 | 97 | |
| 3 | Coventry | 26 | 16 | 0 | 10 | 1053 | 723 | +330 | 22 | 7 | 93 | Play-off quarter-finals |
| 4 | Worcester Warriors | 26 | 15 | 0 | 11 | 899 | 652 | +247 | 21 | 6 | 87 | |
| 5 | Chinnor | 26 | 16 | 0 | 10 | 697 | 635 | +62 | 12 | 6 | 82 | |
| 6 | Hartpury | 26 | 15 | 2 | 9 | 772 | 632 | +140 | 14 | 3 | 81 | |
| 7 | Cornish Pirates | 26 | 13 | 1 | 12 | 770 | 671 | +99 | 16 | 3 | 73 | |
| 8 | Doncaster Knights | 26 | 12 | 3 | 11 | 729 | 655 | +74 | 15 | 4 | 73 | |
| 9 | Nottingham | 26 | 12 | 1 | 13 | 639 | 647 | −8 | 14 | 8 | 72 | |
| 10 | Ampthill | 26 | 12 | 0 | 14 | 828 | 890 | −62 | 18 | 5 | 71 | |
| 11 | Caldy | 26 | 9 | 0 | 17 | 574 | 814 | −240 | 11 | 5 | 52 | |
| 12 | Richmond | 26 | 7 | 1 | 18 | 525 | 823 | −298 | 7 | 4 | 41 | Relegation play-off |
| 13 | London Scottish (R) | 26 | 6 | 0 | 20 | 475 | 923 | −448 | 8 | 3 | 35 | |
| 14 | Cambridge (R) | 26 | 0 | 1 | 25 | 447 | 1190 | −743 | 7 | 4 | 13 | Relegated |
Updated to match(es) played on 9 May 2026. Source: England Rugby
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
- Number of matches won
- Number of matches drawn
- Difference between points for and against
- Total number of points for
- Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
- Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
Regular season
The regular season fixtures were announced on 10 July 2025.[17][18]
Round 1
| 3 October 2025 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Nottingham | 26–8 | Doncaster Knights |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,301 Referee: Alex Thomas |
| 4 October 2025 14:00 |
| (1 BP) Worcester Warriors | 29–19 | Coventry |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 9,000[d] Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 4 October 2025 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Cornish Pirates | 21–22 | Hartpury |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 1,381 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 4 October 2025 15:00 |
| Richmond | 18–13 | Chinnor (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 1,007[e] Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 4 October 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Cambridge | 24–45 | Ampthill (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,065 Referee: Andrew Wigley |
| 4 October 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Caldy | 26–10 | London Scottish |
| Paton Field Attendance: 1,320 Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 4 October 2025 16:00 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 22–50 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 2,413 Referee: Luke Pearce |
Round 2
| 10 October 2025 19:45 |
| London Scottish | 7–26 | Nottingham (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 819 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
| 11 October 2025 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 42–15 | Cambridge |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,334 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 11 October 2025 14:30 |
| Hartpury | 28–25 | Worcester Warriors (2 BP) |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 2,000 Referee: Andrew Wigley |
| 11 October 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ampthill | 26–21 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 1,072 Referee: Richard Gordon |
| 11 October 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 35–30 | Bedford Blues (2 BP) |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 2,764 Referee: Ian Tempest |
| 11 October 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 55–7 | Chinnor |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,293 Referee: Ben Wood |
Round 3
| 17 October 2025 19:45 |
| (2 BP) Nottingham | 24–31 | Caldy (1 BP) |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,484 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
| 17 October 2025 19:45 |
| Richmond | 12–43 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 1,205[f] Referee: Mike Lamb |
| 17 October 2025 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Worcester Warriors | 56–28 | Ampthill (1 BP) |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 8,000[g] Referee: Ben Wood |
| 18 October 2025 14:30 |
| Cornish Pirates | 15–15 | Doncaster Knights |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 1,626[h] Referee: Joe James |
| 18 October 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 38–30 | Hartpury |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 2,575 Referee: Daniel Jones |
| 18 October 2025 15:00 |
| Cambridge | 15–38 | London Scottish (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,284 Referee: Alex Thomas |
| 18 October 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Chinnor | 47–26 | Coventry (1 BP) |
| Kingsey Road Attendance: 2,104 Referee: Henry Pearson |
Round 4
| 24 October 2025 19:45 |
| (1BP) Nottingham | 29–27 | Richmond (1BP) |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,154[i] Referee: Jonathan Cook |
| 25 October 2025 14:30 |
| Doncaster Knights | 34–31 | Worcester Warriors (2 BP) |
| Castle Park Attendance: 2,087 Referee: Hamish Smales |
| 25 October 2025 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Hartpury | 25–19 | Chinnor (1 BP) |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 870 Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 25 October 2025 15:00 |
| Ampthill | 12–66 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 1,975 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 25 October 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Caldy | 41–24 | Cambridge (1 BP) |
| Paton Field Attendance: 1,876 Referee: Richard Gordon |
| 25 October 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 36–63 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 2,631 Referee: Joe James |
| 25 October 2025 15:00 |
| London Scottish | 10–38 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 906 Referee: Charles Gayther |
Round 5
| 31 October 2025 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 36–32 | Doncaster Knights (2 BP) |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 2,196 Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys |
| 31 October 2025 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Worcester Warriors | 52–19 | London Scottish |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 8,900[j] Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 1 November 2025 14:00 |
| (2 BP) Cambridge | 32–36 | Nottingham (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,267 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 1 November 2025 14:00 |
| Richmond | 17–52 | Coventry (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 700[k] Referee: Andrew Wigley |
| 1 November 2025 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Cornish Pirates | 34–27 | Caldy (2 BP) |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 1,506[l] Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 1 November 2025 15:00 |
| Chinnor | 17–10 | Ampthill (1 BP) |
| Kingsey Road Attendance: 1,207[m] Referee: Daniel Rowlands |
| 1 November 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 27–19 | Hartpury |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,263 Referee: Jamie Parr |
Round 6
| 7 November 2025 19:30 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 21–23 | Chinnor |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,290 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 7 November 2025 19:45 |
| London Scottish | 7–26 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 962 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 7 November 2025 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Nottingham | 28–36 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,614 Referee: Andrew Wigley |
| 8 November 2025 14:00 |
| Ampthill | 0–71 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 693 Referee: Ben Wood |
| 8 November 2025 14:00 |
| (1 BP) Caldy | 15–17 | Worcester Warriors |
| Paton Field Attendance: 1,876 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
| 8 November 2025 14:00 |
| Cambridge | 5–54 | Richmond (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,176 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
| 8 November 2025 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Hartpury | 36–31 | Coventry (2 BP) |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 1,020[n] Referee: Craig Maxwell Keys |
Round 7
| 14 November 2025 19:45 |
| Chinnor | 22–20 | London Scottish (1 BP) |
| Kingsey Road Attendance: 1,628 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
| 14 November 2025 19:45 |
| Richmond | 17–12 | Hartpury (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 755[o] Referee: Richard Gordon |
| 15 November 2025 13:00 |
| (1 BP) Cornish Pirates | 52–0 | Cambridge |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 1,582 Referee: Matthew Sharpe |
| 15 November 2025 13:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 68–26 | Ampthill (1 BP) |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 2,415 Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 15 November 2025 17:00 |
| (1 BP) Worcester Warriors | 24–22 | Nottingham (1 BP) |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 6,500[p] Referee: Sara Cox |
| 16 November 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 35–21 | Doncaster Knights |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,595[q] Referee: Joe James |
Round 8
| 28 November 2025 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Nottingham | 28–28 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,551 Referee: Ben Wood |
| 29 November 2025 13:30 |
| Ampthill | 21–31 | Hartpury (1 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 672 Referee: Andrew Wigley |
| 29 November 2025 14:00 |
| (1 BP) Caldy | 28–36 | Chinnor (1 BP) |
| Paton Field Attendance: 1,276 Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 29 November 2025 14:00 |
| Cambridge | 14–61 | Worcester Warriors (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,329 Referee: Michael Lamb |
| 29 November 2025 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Cornish Pirates | 28–19 | Richmond |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 1,722 Referee: Ben Simpson |
| 29 November 2025 14:30 |
| Doncaster Knights | 24–21 | Coventry (1 BP) |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,669 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
| 29 November 2025 15:00 |
| London Scottish | 14–38 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 793 Referee: Charles Gayther |
Round 9
| 6 December 2025 14:30 |
| Hartpury | 33–33 | Doncaster Knights (1 BP) |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 802 Referee: Charles Gayther[r] |
| 6 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 29–28 | Cambridge (2 BP) |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 2,595 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
| 6 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 61–10 | London Scottish |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 2,856 Referee: Alex Thomas |
| 6 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 38–0 | Caldy |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,200 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 6 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Richmond | 20–25 | Ampthill |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 860 Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys |
| 6 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Worcester Warriors | 40–24 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 6,800 Referee: Ben Wood |
Round 10
| 12 December 2025 19:30 |
| (2 BP) Cornish Pirates | 26–27 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 1,601 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
| 12 December 2025 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Nottingham | 14–17 | Ealing Trailfinders |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,231 Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 13 December 2025 14:00 |
| Cambridge | 15–55 | Chinnor (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,136 Referee: George Selwood |
| 13 December 2025 14:00 |
| (1 BP) Worcester Warriors | 31–19 | Richmond |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 6,200 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 13 December 2025 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 30–38 | Ampthill (1 BP) |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,417 Referee: Ben Wood |
| 13 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) London Scottish | 24–33 | Hartpury (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 682 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
Round 11
| 19 December 2025 19:45 |
| Richmond | 7–31 | Doncaster Knights (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 962 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 20 December 2025 13:30 |
| (1 BP) Ampthill | 38–32 | London Scottish (2 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 806 Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 20 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 35–19 | Worcester Warriors |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 3,277 Referee: George Selwood |
| 20 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Chinnor | 47–10 | Cornish Pirates |
| Kingsey Road Attendance: 2,231 Referee: Joe James |
| 20 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 41–36 | Nottingham (2 BP) |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 3,281 Referee: Benjamin Wood |
| 20 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 68–17 | Cambridge |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,569 Referee: Michael Lamb |
Round 12
| 26 December 2025 14:00 |
| Cambridge | 19–33 | Coventry (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,438 Referee: Alexander Thomas |
| 26 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 33–10 | Richmond |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 5,531 Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 26 December 2025 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Nottingham | 38–24 | Hartpury (1 BP) |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 2,121 Referee: Jack Sutton |
| 27 December 2025 14:00 |
| (1 BP) Caldy | 34–29 | Ampthill (2 BP) |
| Paton Field Attendance: 1,945 Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 27 December 2025 14:30 |
| Cornish Pirates | 14–41 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 3,100 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 27 December 2025 15:00 |
| (2 BP) Worcester Warriors | 26–27 | Chinnor (1 BP) |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 9,000[s] Referee: Harry Walbaum |
| 27 December 2025 17:00 |
| (1 BP) London Scottish | 34–10 | Doncaster Knights |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 787 Referee: Morgan White |
Round 13
| 1 January 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 41–26 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 3,678[t] Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 3 January 2026 13:30 |
| (1 BP) Ampthill | 36–27 | Nottingham (1 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 804 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 3 January 2026 14:30 |
| (2 BP) Doncaster Knights | 27–28 | Caldy (1 BP) |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,567 Referee: George Selwood |
| 3 January 2026 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Hartpury | 42–22 | Cambridge (1 BP) |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 760 Referee: Morgan White |
- Postponed by match on referee grounds of player safety due to recent cold weather.[u] Game to be rescheduled for 17 January 2026.
| 3 January 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 34–33 | Worcester Warriors (2 BP) |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 3,086 Referee: Adam Leal |
| 3 January 2026 15:00 |
| (2 BP) Richmond | 26–27 | London Scottish |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 1,950 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
Round 13 (rescheduled)
- Game rescheduled from 3 January 2026.
Round 14
| 23 January 2026 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Chinnor | 15–21 | Ealing Trailfinders |
| Kingsey Road Attendance: 2,435 Referee: Andrew Jackson |
| 23 January 2026 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Nottingham | 27–12 | London Scottish |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,276 Referee: George Selwood |
| 24 January 2026 14:00 |
| Cambridge | 12–12 | Doncaster Knights |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,120 Referee: Dan Rhys Jones |
| 24 January 2026 14:00 |
| (2 BP) Worcester Warriors | 28–34 | Hartpury (1 BP) |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 7,000 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
| 24 January 2026 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Cornish Pirates | 45–24 | Ampthill (1 BP) |
| Recreation Ground, Camborne[v] Attendance: 1,310 Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 24 January 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 38–31 | Coventry (2 BP) |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 3,198 Referee: Richard Gordon |
Round 15
| 31 January 2026 13:30 |
| Ampthill | 14–41 | Worcester Warriors (1 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 975 Referee: Ben Simpson |
| 31 January 2026 14:30 |
| Hartpury | 18–13 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 670 Referee: Daniel Jones |
| 31 January 2026 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 44–12 | Cornish Pirates |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,819 Referee: Ian Tempest |
| 31 January 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 14–19 | Chinnor |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 2,755 Referee: Benjamin Wood |
| 31 January 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 65–7 | Richmond |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 2,088 Referee: Damian Schneider |
| 31 January 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) London Scottish | 27–10 | Cambridge |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 698 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
Round 16
| 6 February 2026 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 35–13 | Ampthill |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 3,413 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
| 7 February 2026 14:00 |
| (2 BP) Cambridge | 24–26 | Caldy (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 773 Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 7 February 2026 14:30 |
| Worcester Warriors | 25–20 | Doncaster Knights (1 BP) |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 7,000 Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys |
| 7 February 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 36–34 | Coventry (2 BP) |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,450 Referee: Richard Gordon |
| 8 February 2026 14:00 |
| (1 BP) Cornish Pirates | 43–12 | London Scottish |
| Recreation Ground, Camborne[w] Attendance: 1,176[37] Referee: Daniel Jones |
Round 17
| 13 February 2026 19:45 |
| London Scottish | 7–66 | Worcester Warriors (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 924 Referee: Ben Wood |
| 13 February 2026 19:45 |
| Nottingham | 21–17 | Cambridge (1 BP) |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,188 Referee: Andrew Jackson |
| 13 February 2026 20:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 48–21 | Richmond |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 2,087 Referee: Joe James |
| 14 February 2026 14:00 |
| (2 BP) Ampthill | 29–30 | Chinnor (1 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 545 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 14 February 2026 14:00 |
| Caldy | 21–41 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Paton Field Attendance: 1,219 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
| 14 February 2026 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 50–12 | Bedford Blues |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,539 Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe |
| 14 February 2026 14:30 |
| Hartpury | 19–46 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 820 Referee: George Selwood |
Round 18
| 20 February 2026 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 54–26 | London Scottish (1 BP) |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 2,558 Referee: Alex Thomas |
| 20 February 2026 19:45 |
| Chinnor | 19–36 | Doncaster Knights (1 BP) |
| Kingsey Road Attendance: 1,535 Referee: Richard Gordon |
| 20 February 2026 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Richmond | 38–22 | Cambridge |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 746 Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys |
| 21 February 2026 12:00 |
| Cornish Pirates | 17–12 | Nottingham (1 BP) |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 1,215 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 21 February 2026 12:00 |
| (1 BP) Worcester Warriors | 50–33 | Caldy (1 BP) |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 5,600 Referee: Sara Cox |
| 21 February 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 50–12 | Ampthill |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 650 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 21 February 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 31–19 | Hartpury |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 2,229 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
Round 19
| 27 February 2026 19:45 |
| Nottingham | 22–7 | Worcester Warriors |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,893 Referee: Ian Tempest |
| 28 February 2026 14:00 |
| (2 BP) Ampthill | 36–40 | Coventry (1 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 1,073 Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 28 February 2026 14:00 |
| (1 BP) Caldy | 19–23 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Paton Field Attendance: 1,345 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
| 28 February 2026 14:00 |
| Cambridge | 21–49 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,297 Referee: Ben Simpson |
| 28 February 2026 14:30 |
| Doncaster Knights | 7–29 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,817 Referee: Richard Gordon |
| 28 February 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) London Scottish | 24–21 | Chinnor (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 826 Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys |
Round 20
| 20 March 2026 19:45 |
| (2 BP) Hartpury | 27–32 | Ampthill (1 BP) |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 1,020 Referee: Hamish Grant |
| 21 March 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 10–14 | Nottingham |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 2,977 Referee: Joe James |
| 21 March 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Chinnor | 48–36 | Caldy (1 BP) |
| Kingsey Road Attendance: 1,058 Referee: Richard Gordon |
| 21 March 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 44–24 | Doncaster Knights (1 BP) |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 3,135 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 21 March 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 72–19 | London Scottish |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,100 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 21 March 2026 15:00 |
| Richmond | 13–66 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 1,275 Referee: Ben Wood |
| 21 March 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Worcester Warriors | 76–10 | Cambridge |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 6,399 Referee: Andrew Wigley |
Round 21
| 27 March 2026 19:30 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 35–22 | Hartpury |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,168 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
| 28 March 2026 14:00 |
| Cambridge | 21–50 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,376 Referee: Matthew Sharpe |
| 28 March 2026 14:30 |
| Cornish Pirates | 7–29 | Worcester Warriors (1 BP) |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 3,096 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 28 March 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Caldy | 19–21 | Ealing Trailfinders |
| Paton Field Attendance: 1,874 Referee: Daniel Jones |
| 28 March 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) London Scottish | 29–54 | Coventry (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 946 Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 29 March 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Nottingham | 19–26 | Chinnor (1 BP) |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,455[x] Referee: Ben Wood |
Round 22
| 4 April 2026 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Hartpury | 45–7 | London Scottish |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 720 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 4 April 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ampthill | 61–17 | Doncaster Knights |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 1,046 Referee: Alexander Thomas |
| 4 April 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 36–12 | Cornish Pirates |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 3,295 Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 4 April 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 47–21 | Nottingham |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,438 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 4 April 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Richmond | 29–41 | Worcester Warriors (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 1,343 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
Round 23
| 10 April 2026 19:30 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 31–10 | Richmond |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,200 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 10 April 2026 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Nottingham | 33–26 | Coventry (2 BP) |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 2,157 Referee: George Selwood |
| 11 April 2026 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Cornish Pirates | 57–21 | Chinnor |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 1,687 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
| 11 April 2026 15:00 |
| Cambridge | 7–31 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 849 Referee: Michael Lamb |
- Cambridge are relegated.
| 11 April 2026 15:00 |
| London Scottish | 19–48 | Ampthill (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 357 Referee: Richard Gordon |
| 11 April 2026 15:00 |
| Worcester Warriors | 14–28 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 7,000 Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys |
Round 24
| 17 April 2026 20:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 77–14 | Cambridge |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 2,138 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 18 April 2026 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 34–5 | London Scottish |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,100 Referee: Matthew Sharpe |
| 18 April 2026 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Hartpury | 52–19 | Nottingham |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 1,200 Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 18 April 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Chinnor | 32–22 | Worcester Warriors (1 BP) |
| Kingsey Road Attendance: 2,588 Referee: Alexander Thomas |
| 18 April 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 41–26 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,680 Referee: Ben Wood |
| 18 April 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Richmond | 33–52 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 1,425 Referee: Andrew Wigley |
Round 25
| 1 May 2026 19:45 |
| (1 BP) Nottingham | 27–24 | Ampthill (2 BP) |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 1,224 Referee: Charles Gayther |
| 2 May 2026 14:30 |
| (1 BP) Cornish Pirates | 29–24 | Coventry (1 BP) |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 2,058 Referee: Daniel Jones |
| 2 May 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Bedford Blues | 30–28 | Chinnor (2 BP) |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 3,402 Referee: Henry Pearson |
| 2 May 2026 15:00 |
| Caldy | 17–37 | Doncaster Knights (1 BP) |
| Paton Field Attendance: 1,246 Referee: George Selwood |
| 2 May 2026 15:00 |
| Cambridge | 14–70 | Hartpury (1 BP) |
| Grantchester Road Attendance: 1,877 Referee: Richard Gordon |
| 2 May 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) London Scottish | 17–24 | Richmond (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 1,953 Referee: Alexander Thomas |
| 2 May 2026 15:00 |
| (2 BP) Worcester Warriors | 28–34 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 8,600 Referee: Joe James |
Round 26
| 9 May 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ampthill | 75–33 | Cambridge (1 BP) |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 1,527 Referee: Jonathan Cook |
| 9 May 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Coventry | 64–28 | Worcester Warriors (1 BP) |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 4,644 Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys |
| 9 May 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 54–45 | Nottingham (1 BP) |
| Castle Park Attendance: 1,891 Referee: Alexander Thomas |
| 9 May 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 52–14 | Bedford Blues |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 1,951 Referee: Jamie Parr |
| 9 May 2026 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Hartpury | 30–21 | Cornish Pirates |
| Hartpury Stadium Attendance: 1,020 Referee: Joe James |
| 9 May 2026 15:00 |
| London Scottish | 19–14 | Caldy (1 BP) |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 651 Referee: Richard Gordon |
Relegation Play-offs
| Champ Rugby Relegation Play-off | Champ Rugby Ascession Final | ||||||||
| C1 | London Scottish | 7 | |||||||
| 12 | Richmond | 34 | N1 | Blackheath | 27 | ||||
| 13 | London Scottish | 11 | |||||||
Champ Rugby Relegation Play-off
Clubs that finished 12th and 13th in Champ Rugby would contest a relegation playoff with the 12th placed team having home advantage.[49] The winner would stay in Champ Rugby while the loser would take part in he Champ Accession Final.
| 16 May 2026 14:00 |
| Richmond (12) | 34–11 | (13) London Scottish |
| Try: Jones 11' c Hocking (2) 20' m, 54' c Altier 57' m Obonna 78' c Con: Grieve (3) 15', 55', 79' Pen: Grieve 62' | Try: Povey 67' m Pen: Bellamy (2) 17', 43' |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 1,968[y] Referee: Jamie Parr |
- Richmond retain Champ Rugby status while London Scottish progress to Champ Accession final.
Champ Accession Final
The loser of the Champ relegation play-off would play at home against the winner of the National League 1 promotion play-off to make up the final team to take part in the 2026–27 Champ Rugby with loser dropping/staying in the 2026–27 National League 1.[49]
| 23 May 2026 14:00 |
| London Scottish (CR) | 7 – 27 | Blackheath (N1) |
| Try: Law 77' c Con: Bellamy 77' | Try: Hirskyj-Douglas 6' c Harding 13' c Hughes 29' c Con: Morley (3) 7', 13', 29' Pen: Morley (2) 44', 79' |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 2,115 Referee: Hamish Grant |
- Blackheath are promoted while London Scottish are relegated.
Championship Play-offs
Bracket
| Quarter-finals | Semi-finals | Final | ||||||||||||
| 1 | Ealing Trailfinders | 29 | ||||||||||||
| 4 | Worcester Warriors | 35 | 4 | Worcester Warriors | 34 | |||||||||
| 5 | Chinnor | 29 | 4 | Worcester Warriors | 27 | |||||||||
| 2 | Bedford Blues | 14 | ||||||||||||
| 2 | Bedford Blues | 58 | ||||||||||||
| 3 | Coventry | 28 | 3 | Coventry | 24 | |||||||||
| 6 | Hartpury | 25 | ||||||||||||
Quarter-finals
| 16 May 2026 16:00 |
| Coventry (3) | 28–25 | (6) Hartpury |
| Try: Strong 10' c, 39' m Davidson 74' c Con: Mathews 11' Thomas 75' Pen: Thomas (3) 55', 60', 78' | Try: Allsopp (2) 27' c, 78' m Denty 80' c Con: Bazalgette (2) 27', 80' Pen: Bazalgette (2) 7', 17' |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 2,061 Referee: Alexander Thomas |
| 16 May 2026 18:00 |
| Worcester Warriors (4) | 35–29 | (5) Chinnor |
| Try: Naulago (2) 17' c, 77' c Wallis 34' c Anstee 59' c Bassett 64' c Con: Twelvetrees (4) 18', 35', 60', 65' Reed 78' | Try: Bourton 25' m Walker 29' c Owen 40' c Thompson 80' c Con: Chamberlain (3) 30', 40', 80' Pen: Chamberlain 48' |
| Sixways Stadium Attendance: 3,500[z] Referee: Richard Gordon |
Semi-finals
| 22 May 2026 19:45 |
| Bedford Blues (2) | 58 – 24 | (3) Coventry |
| Try: Hutler (2) 13' c, 47' c Day 49' c Benson 58' c Maisey 60' c Thame 66' c Adamson 68' c Con: Maisey (7) 14', 48', 50', 59', 61', 67', 69' Pen: Maisey (3) 8', 42', 52' | Try: Maunder 3' m Reeves (2) 25' c, 56' c Ball 80' m Con: Thomas 26' Mathews 57' |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 3,898 Referee: Harry Walbaum |
| 23 May 2026 16:00 |
| Ealing Trailfinders (1) | 29 – 34 | (4) Worcester Warriors |
| Try: Dykes (2) 25' c, 50' c Oliver 35' m Buckley 59' m Jones 78' m Con: Jones (2) 26', 50' | Try: Bokenham 5' c Naulago (2) 12' m, 23' c Reed 67' m Garside 80' c Con: Twelvetrees (2) 5', 23' Reed 80' Pen: Reed 75' |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 2,065 Referee: George Selwood |
Final
| 31 May 2026 15:00 |
| Bedford Blues (2) | 14–27 | Worcester Warriors (4) |
| Try: Conway 10' c Penalty try 19' Con: Maisey 11' | Try: Bokenham 8' m Anstee 35' c Reed 40' m Naulago 63' c Con: Twelvetrees (2) 36', 63' Pen: Twelvetrees 70' |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 5,531 Referee: Joe James |
Attendances
- Include relegation/championship play-offs but does not include Champ Accession Final.
| Club | Home Games |
Total | Average | Highest | Lowest | % Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ampthill | 13 | 13,238 | 1,018 | 1,975 | 545 | 34% |
| Bedford Blues[aa] | 15 | 48,966 | 3,264 | 5,531 | 2,107 | 59% |
| Caldy | 13 | 19,501 | 1,500 | 1,945 | 892 | 38% |
| Cambridge | 13 | 15,987 | 1,230 | 1,877 | 773 | 56% |
| Chinnor | 13 | 23,022 | 1,771 | 2,588 | 900 | 59% |
| Cornish Pirates | 13 | 23,060 | 1,774 | 3,100 | 1,176 | 42% |
| Coventry[ab] | 14 | 39,157 | 2,797 | 4,644 | 2,061 | 53% |
| Doncaster Knights | 13 | 19,898 | 1,531 | 2,087 | 1,100 | 30% |
| Ealing Trailfinders[ac] | 14 | 22,428 | 1,602 | 3,086 | 650 | 32% |
| Hartpury | 13 | 12,169 | 936 | 2,000 | 457 | 47% |
| London Scottish | 13 | 11,304 | 870 | 1,953 | 357 | 19% |
| Nottingham | 13 | 19,649 | 1,511 | 2,157 | 1,154 | 41% |
| Richmond[ad] | 14 | 15,995 | 1,143 | 1,968 | 700 | 25% |
| Worcester Warriors[ae] | 14 | 99,499 | 7,107 | 9,000 | 3,500 | 56% |
[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][8][33][34][35][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][50][51][52]
Individual statistics
- Include relegation/championship play-offs but does not include Champ Accession Final.
Top points scorers
|
Top try scorers
|
Notes
- Due to storm damage to the Mennaye Field in January 2026, Cornish Pirates would play two home games at the 7,000 capacity Recreation Ground, home of Camborne RFC.[13]
- The Rugby Paper gave an attendance of 12,067 for Worcester v Coventry on 4 October 2025 while the RFU match card gave 9,000. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper gave an attendance figure of 1,100 for Richmond v Chinnor on 4 October 2025 while the RFU match gard gave 1,007. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper gave a crowd figure of 1,400 for Richmond v Ealing on 17 October 2025 while the RFU had 1,205 on the match card. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper had a crowd figure of 7,250 for the Worcester v Ampthill game on 17 October 2025 while the RFU match report had 8,000. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper had a crowd figure of 1,627 for Cornish Pirates v Doncaster on 18 October 2025 while the RFU match card had 1,626. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper gave an attendance figure of 1,167 for Nottingham v Richmond on 24 October 2025 while the RFU match card had 1,154. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper had an attendance of 7,500 for Worcester v London Scottish on 31 October 2025 while the RFU match card had 8,900. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper gave an attendance of 750 for Richmond v Coventry while the RFU match card gave 700. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper gave an attendance of 1,504 for Cornish Pirates v Caldy on 1 November 2025 while the RFU match card had 1,506. The RFU figure has been used.
- Attendance for Chinnor v Ampthill given as 1,300 by The Rugby Paper but 1,207 on RFU Match card. RFU figure will be used.
- The Rugby Paper gave 650 as the attendance for Hartpury v Coventry on 8 November 2025 while the RFU had 1,020 on the match card. The RFU figure will be used.
- The Rugby Paper gave a crowd figure of 750 for Richmond v Hartpury while the RFU match card was 755. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper gave 6,900 as the attendance for Worcester v Nottingham on 15 November 2025 while the RFU match card gave 6,500. The RFU figure has been used.
- The Rugby Paper had Alex Thomas as the referee for Hartpury v Doncaster on 6 December 2025 (despite also referring Coventry v London Scottish on the same day) while the RFU match card had Charles Gayther. The RFU referee will be used.
- The Rugby Paper gave an attendance of 9,500 for Worcester Warriors v Chinnor on 27 December 2025. The actual figure provided by the RFU was 9,000.
- Storm damage to the Mennaye Field in January 2026 meant that Cornish Pirates would have to play their home game on 24 January 2026 versus Ampthill at the Recreation Ground, home of Camborne RFC.[13]
- Storm damage to the Mennaye Field in January 2026 meant that Cornish Pirates would have to play their home game on 8 February 2026 versus London Scottish at the Recreation Ground, home of Camborne RFC.[13]
- The Rugby Paper failed to give an attendance for Nottingham v Chinnor on 29 March 2026. The figure used has been provided by the RFU from official records.
- The Rugby Paper gave an attendance of 1,910 for Richmond v London Scottish on 16 May 2026. This was incorrect as the real attendance provided by the RFU was 1,968.
- The Rugby paper gave Worcester a home attendance of 9,764 versus Chinnor on 16 May 2026 which was inacurrate. The real figure provided by the RFU was 3,500.
- Bedford's attendances include championship play-off semi-final & final.
- Coventry's attendances includes championship play-off quarter-final.
- Ealing's attendances include championship play-off semi-final.
- Richmond's attendances include relegation play-off.
- Worcester's attendances includes championship play-off quarter-final.
- Harry Bazalgette's total includes 10 points from championship play-offs.
- Will Maisey's total includes 30 points from championship play-offs.
- Tommy Mathews total includes 4 points from championship play-offs.
- Callum Grieve's total includes 9 points from relegation play-off.
- Josh Thomas's total includes 13 points from championship play-offs.
- Dean Adamson's total includes 1 try from championship play-offs.
- Scott Buckley's total includes 1 try from championship play-offs.
- Jake Garside's total includes 1 try from championship play-offs.