Match Day update for this Weekend

It’s a slightly different kind of weekend at Pottington Road, with neither the Chiefs nor the Athletic playing at home, so there won’t be a matchday programme this Saturday. But don’t let that fool you—there’s still plenty of rugby action to get excited about, starting with a fantastic cup tie right here on our own pitch.

This Saturday we’re delighted to host a Devon RFU Colts Cup quarter-final, as the Barnstaple Colts take on Paignton Colts, with kick-off at 2:00pm. It’s a big occasion for our young squad—this will be their first competitive fixture of 2026, after a period where fixtures have been hard to come by. However, they’re far from undercooked. A fortnight ago, the Colts travelled to Ivybridge for a friendly and came away with an impressive victory against a strong side. And just last weekend, seven Colts featured for Athletic—some making their senior debuts, while Oscar Lambert was named among the replacements for the Chiefs and came on in the 60th minute. That means many of this Colts side have had valuable, high-intensity game time recently, and that experience should stand them in good stead as they head into Saturday’s knockout clash.

Once the final whistle blows, we hope you’ll stay on at the clubhouse, where we’ll be showing the Italy v England Six Nations match live on the big screen—a perfect way to round off the afternoon.

As for our senior sides, the Chiefs have a weekend off—a well-earned rest and a chance for some of the walking wounded to recover ahead of the final five-game run-in either side of Easter. Meanwhile, Athletic travel down to Cornwall to face Penryn, full of confidence and in flying form. They made it four wins on the bounce last Saturday with a commanding 38-17 victory over Truro at Pottington Road—a game that, as mentioned, featured seven Colts and a Colt from Bude who has recently joined the club.

Looking ahead to next weekend, the Barnstaple Buccaneers take centre stage at home as they host Topsham II, while the Chiefs make the long trip to Loughborough University. Athletic have a weekend off, and for the Colts, it’s all about what happens this Saturday—a win would see them in the semi-final, while a defeat would mean a home friendly against Exeter Athletic Colts instead.

And finally, make sure you’ve got Saturday 21st March firmly in your diaries—it’s set to be a massive day at Pottington Road. The Chiefs host league leaders Camborne in what promises to be a thrilling and fiercely contested game of rugby. It’s also our annual Ladies Day, so there’ll be a fantastic atmosphere both on and off the pitch. And to top it all off, we’ve got Barely Legal playing live in the evening—everyone is welcome to stay on, enjoy the music, and make a night of it.

That’s all from me for now. Whatever you’re up to this weekend, enjoy your rugby, whether you’re here with us, heading to a game, or watching from afar. I’ll catch up with you again in a fortnight.