Evening everyone, and a very warm welcome to the start of the 2026/27 rugby season!
It’s absolutely fantastic to reach out to so many familiar faces and new ones too, as we gather once again to kick off what promises to be a truly historic and phenomenal campaign. This isn’t just any season—this is the season Barnstaple Rugby Club proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary, and we intend to make every single match, every tackle, and every try count in honor of that incredible milestone.
We have an absolute treasure trove of events, celebrations, and special content lined up as the season unfolds, and you won’t want to miss a single moment of it.
Don’t miss out on two exciting opportunities coming up at Barnstaple RFC!
First up, the countdown is officially on for our 150 Lotto draw – with just 9 days to go until the lucky numbers are pulled on September 14th. One fortunate member will walk away with a fantastic £150 cash prize – a brilliant boost to kick off the autumn season!
Entries are still open, but time is running out, so don’t delay. For just £10 per month, you’re not only in with a chance to win big, but you’re also supporting your club. Imagine waking up on the 15th with an extra £150 in your pocket – it could be you!
Secure your spot today – full details and entry links are available here: Barnstaple RFC 150 Lotto
And that’s not all – we’re thrilled to announce a brand-new event for the club calendar!
For the very first time, we’ll be hosting the North Devon Business Lunch at Barnstaple Rugby Club on Saturday, September 26th – and it promises to be a fantastic afternoon of networking, good food, and top-class sport.
Taking place before a massive National 2 West clash as the Chiefs take on Lymm, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal, socialise with fellow professionals, make valuable new contacts, and then settle in to watch what’s sure to be a thrilling encounter on the pitch. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or simply looking to expand your local network, this event offers the ideal blend of commerce and community – all set against the backdrop of high-stakes rugby.
Places are limited, so be sure to book early. For full menu details, timings, and ticket information, click here: North Devon Business Lunch
For a deep dive into all the festivities, make sure you grab a copy of next weekend’s official match day program, which will again be a digital version same as last season, it’ll be packed with exclusive interviews, nostalgic features, and a full calendar of the 150th anniversary plans. That special edition will be available as the Chiefs play their first home fixture of the season at our beloved Pottington Road ground on Saturday, 12th September, when we welcome Taunton for what is already shaping up to be a colossal early-season showdown. Remember last year’s nail-biter against them? The tension, the drama, the final whistle—we’re expecting more of the same, and the atmosphere is going to be electric, so mark those calendars now!
But don’t think we’re resting on our laurels this weekend—there’s plenty of live rugby action to whet your appetite before then.
The Chiefs are set to kick off their season with a challenging away fixture against Exeter University—a side that, as we know all too well, tends to be exceptionally formidable at this stage of the campaign. With the new academic year underway, Exeter will have their full-strength squad available, packed with fresh talent and seasoned players alike, making them a daunting opponent right out of the gate.
Last season’s encounters tell a story of two fiercely contested battles. We suffered a 43–26 defeat on their turf, but we more than made amends back at Pottington Road, where we turned the tables with a convincing 34–22 victory. That win was a statement of our own resilience and firepower, and it sets the stage for what promises to be another gripping showdown.
This weekend’s clash is shaping up to be a hard-fought, physical contest—a true early-season measuring stick for our lads. It’s the kind of test that reveals character, and there’s no doubt our boys will be up for the challenge.
If you’re keen to cheer them on in person, it’s just a short trip to the county capital. The action unfolds at Topsham Sports Ground, with kick-off set for 3:00 PM. Let’s pack the sidelines, raise our voices, and make sure the team hears every ounce of our support. This is where the season starts—let’s make it count.
If you’re craving some fast-paced, high-energy action tonight, look no further than our talented Colts, who are in pre-season action against Kingsley at Bideford. The whistle blows at 6:30pm sharp, so if you fancy an evening of thrilling young talent on display, grab your coat, head over to Bideford, and get behind the next generation of Barnstaple stars.
Of course, the season properly ignites on that pivotal Saturday, 12th September, as we mentioned, with the Chiefs’ first hom,e league game against Taunton. We are incredibly grateful to have this top tier fixture proudly sponsored by our good friends at Brewer Harding and Rowe solicitors, who have been unwavering, staunch allies of Barnstaple Rugby Club for many, many years. Their continued support is a cornerstone of our community, and we’re thrilled to have them alongside us for this monumental occasion.
That’s just a quick taster of what’s coming your way over the next few days, but trust us—this is only the beginning.
So, whether you’re heading to Bideford tonight, down to Exeter on Saturday, or saving your energy for the massive Taunton clash next weekend, get your voices ready, wear your colours with pride, and let’s make this 150th anniversary season one for the ages.
See you all very soon,
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