A Very Happy New Year to all!
Our season opens at Pottington Road, where our Colts side will face Crediton Colts (KO 2pm). While this is a friendly fixture, it carries significant weight. Crediton currently tops the Devon Colts Merit Table, with our own Barnstaple Colts sitting just three points behind in second. This clash is more than a warm-up; it’s a precursor to what could be a decisive meeting between these two top sides come the finals in April. A perfect opportunity to set the tone!
Before we look ahead, a huge thank you to everyone involved in the Boxing Day Charity Match between the North Devon Hospice XV and the Everything Ellie XV. It was a magnificent success, creating a brilliant day for all and raising crucial funds, in excess of £7,300. So thank you to everyone who turned up at the ground to cheer these two teams on in what was a brilliant day for everyone and one I’m sure will be repeated on Boxing Day 2026.
The Devon Intermediate Cup Final is roaring into Pottington Road on February 7th at 2pm!
Witness our very own Barnstaple Athletic battle Okehampton in a high-stakes clash where pride and silverware are on the line. The Battle for Devon Glory Kicks Off at 2pm! here at Pottington Road. Entry is just £5 (under 18’s free) for everyone.
But that’s not all… We’re serving up a CUP FINAL FEAST! Our caterers are pulling out all the stops with a spectacular Cup Final Carvery. Savour a fantastic roast dinner for only £13.50—the perfect fuel for an afternoon of thunderous rugby!
to reserve your place contact Amy at bookings.barnstaplerugby@gmail.com
Senior Sides: Road Trips and Major Challenges
With the Buccaneers enjoying a break until January 24th, our focus turns to the Chiefs and Athletic, who are both on the road this weekend.
Barnstaple Chiefs: A Defining Period Begins
The Chiefs face a monumental task in 2026, with a sequence of huge games on the horizon. It starts this Saturday with a trip to the Hornets. Reigniting the formidable momentum from the first half of the season is crucial, and this fixture presents a massive initial challenge.
Hornets are a formidable opponent at home, boasting a 100% record. Sitting 8th with 8 wins, they ended 2025 strongly, including a standout 38-54 victory at Exeter University. The Chiefs will need to be at their absolute best to secure a win and launch their year in ideal fashion.
The challenge doesn’t relent. The following weeks will truly test the squad:
Jan 17: A blockbuster home game vs. Taunton Titans, who will be seeking revenge for our earlier win at their ground.
Then: A trip to 4th-placed Hinckley the following week , then a trip to Cinderford after that. There are also critical home fixtures against 2nd-placed Luctonians, league leaders Camborne, and a resurgent Redruth (who will remember our dramatic last-minute victory).
Awaiting: Major away trips to both Lymm and Chester.
The second half of the season is a colossal challenge, probably bigger than the first half, but with it comes the chance for huge reward. If the Christmas break has recharged batteries and aided recovery, and the squad recaptures their 2025 form, this could be a phenomenal period for the Chiefs.
Barnstaple Athletic: Seeking Momentum in a Tight League
Athletic’s second season in Counties 1 Western West has been tough, as expected, with the side currently 8th (4 wins). However, their performances suggest a turn is near. Just before Christmas, they came agonisingly close against runaway leaders Wiveliscombe, losing at the death, and suffered another narrow defeat to 3rd-placed Kingsbridge.
They are just a bounce of the ball away from converting performances into results. This Saturday’s trip to Plymstock Oaks (10th, also 4 wins) is a prime opportunity. With only 10 points separating 6th from 12th, every point is vital. Athletic thumped the same side 57-7 at home in September; finding that form again could provide the perfect launchpad.
This month is pivotal: after Plymstock, Athletic have a trio of January home games against Torquay Athletic, Newton Abbot, and St Ives. This four-game sequence will likely define their season.
Well that’s it for this roundup, the program will be back next weekend as Barnstaple Chiefs welcome Taunton Titans to Pottington Road for what has all the makings of a tremendous game of rugby. Athletic also welcome Torquay to Pottington Road , with both kicking off at 2pm.
Before we go I know a number of supporters have asked how to view the photos as they don’t use facebook which is where I usually post them. Well starting form this weekend we will now be publishing them as a digital photo album which you can view and if you click on any photo you will see the full photo and can then scroll through all of them individually. The first ones published from the Barnstaple v Exeter Uni match are up on the website if you click the link here
https://www.barnstaplerugby.co.uk/2025/12/barnstaple-v-exeter-uni-20-12-2025-photos/
with future books to be published on the website and an email to all members will be sent either Saturday night or Sunday.
I hope many of you who are not travelling to Hornets can make it down to Pottington Road to cheer the Colts on and wherever you are watching your rugby this weekend, enjoy the action. Here’s to a fantastic 2026 for Barnstaple Rugby!
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