By Paul 1
September 17 2025

With the start of The Champ just over 2 weeks away, time for a look at the runners and riders.  All these views are my own and we will take the clubs alphabetically, Part 1 today, concluding tomorrow.

Ampthill - could be a season of struggle for the Dillingham Park Mob, despite the Saracens players' being parachuted in.  The tie-up helps, but can also be detrimental to the club, witness previous players ' voting with their feet' and moving to other clubs. Talk is of a Sarries financial investment in the club, upgraded pitches etc.  Still a difficult place to go and get a result.   Community club still? I am not so sure. 

Bedford - had a super season last year and could have another good season. The spine of the side remains the same, Adamson, Day, Maisey et al and they are benefitting greatly with their Saints tie-up.  This tie-up has been a boon for both sides , players getting game time and experience.  Likely to be another top 4 season for the Goldington Road outfit. 

Caldy - what you see, is what you get.  A team built on a strong pack, with good wing play, when they get the ball.  As witnessed at last Saturday's pre-season fixture, status quo maintained, ruck, maul, repeat.  Always a difficult place to go and capable of springing shock results.  Bottom four? 

Cambridge - a rather large clear out during the close season,  a large influx this season.  A nice and hospitable place to visit, nice people, but cannot see anything other than a battle to keep out of the bottom four and a relegation play-off battle. 

Chinnor - another ' oasis of hospitality' , great place to visit but difficult to guage the relative strengths of the side.  Cov had a difficult first 20 minutes there last season, our first ever visit, but then came out strong for the bonus point win. Any team that has the input of Nick Easter will be a challenge and I expect a mid-table place for the Oxfordshire outfit. 

Cornish Pirates - a difficult place to go, strong local support and playing on sand doesn't make it easy.  Finished strongly last season, probably stemming  from our pre-Christmas visit!  Have had a large turnover of players, plus 5 or 6 players from their senior side, Exeter Chiefs.  Not too sure if they can replicate last season's strong finish, but will be top 5 or 6 contenders.  Cov's away visit is due to be May 2nd. 

Coventry - just to finish off part 1, it's our boys! Like many of the sides, a huge turnover of players, both in and out, has been very well documented.  The squad have been training now since early July.   Suffice to say, the squad are eager to play! The spine of the pack is the same, props, back row, no 8 , but second-row changes.  I have been pleased to see the new club squad in the pre-season games, two wins, two different styles.   At the moment, to these unqualified eyes, it looks like there is competition and skills aplenty and good to see Academy players getting run-outs.  If I have to say, or be pushed to hazard  a guess , I would say top 6 would be a realistic aim, but wouldn't be surprised if this moderate target is exceeded.

Part 2 tomorrow. 

The Champ 2025/2026 - Preview and Predictions

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 17/09/2025 12:22

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
17/09/2025 12:22

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:06:09:12:08:59 by Kimbo.

Reply Quote Report

dawson9
17/09/2025 13:51

Good article. Cant see anyone other than Cambridge in bottom spot next season - they were truly dire at the end of last and took a number of batterings from clubs at every position in the table. WIll require some significant improvement to get them out of a relegation battle

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net