by Rhys Fullerton
Revised fixtures confirmed after rugby season delay
Sandbach’s pre-season plans have been amended after the RFU announced a two-week delay to the community rugby season. Senior training continues in line with the official guidance and the Bach will now play Bridgnorth away this Saturday (12 September) in a rearranged fixture. A final warm up match will take place the following week at home against Leek RFC.
Sandbach’s league campaign will now begin with back-to-back home derbies, as Northwich, followed by Winnington Park, visit Bradwall Road on Saturday 26th September and 3rd October, respectively.
The Christmas break is now slightly shorter, with Sandbach hosting newly promoted Kirkby Lonsdale on 19 December. Rugby then resumes on the 9th January with a trip to Northwich for the return fixture. The final league game takes place on 10 April with Sandbach travelling to Cumbria to face Kirkby Lonsdale.
New teams joining the Regional 2 North West 2026/27 league include Kirkby Lonsdale, Manchester, Warrington and Wilmslow. The latter three will add to the enticing local derbies.
Manchester were relegated from Regional 1 North West last season, while Kirkby Lonsdale, Wilmslow and Warrington were all promoted from their respective Counties 1 leagues. Other teams in the league include familiar foes Birkenhead Park, Burnage, Douglas from the Isle of Man, Firwood Waterloo and Widnes, as well as Northwich and Winnington Park.
On Saturday, the club welcomed loyal sponsors to meet the players, coaches and staff and get an insight on how the club works and what to expect from the coming season. It was a chance for the club to recognise those individuals and businesses whose support is so valued.
Last season, Sandbach 1st XV achieved a proud third-place league finish for the second consecutive season and a place in the play-offs, where they bowed out in the second round. This season they will be aiming to go further.
The season delay increases the anticipation and will make this season even more exciting. Sandbach will be more than ready to go when the league campaign finally kicks off.
Sandbach RUFC’s Revised Pre-Season Schedule
Saturday 12 September
Bridgnorth RFC vs Sandbach Senior XV
Edgar Davies Ground, Bandon Lane, Bridgnorth
Saturday 19 September – Kick-off 3pm
Sandbach Senior XVÂ vs Leek RFC Â
Bradwall Road, Sandbach
Sandbach 1st XV’s Revised Regional 2 North West 2026/27 Fixtures
Saturday 26 September
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Northwich 1st XV
Saturday 3 October
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Winnington Park 1st XV
Saturday 10 October
Manchester 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 17 October
Warrington 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 24 October
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Widnes 1st XV
Saturday 31 October
Wilmslow 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 7 November
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Birkenhead Park 1st XV
Saturday 21 November
Burnage 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 28 November
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Douglas (I.O.M.) 1st XV
Saturday 5 December
Firwood Waterloo 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 12 December
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Manchester 1st XV
Saturday 19 December
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Kirkby Lonsdale 1st XV
Saturday 9 January
Northwich 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 16 January
Winnington Park 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 23 January
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Warrington 1st XV
Saturday 6 February
Widnes 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 13 February
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Wilmslow 1st XV
Saturday 20 February
Birkenhead Park 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 6 March
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Burnage 1st XV
Saturday 13 March
Douglas (I.O.M.) 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Saturday 3 April
Sandbach 1st XVÂ vs Firwood Waterloo 1st XV
Saturday 10 April
Kirkby Lonsdale 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV
Photo by Josh Randle
