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 (12th 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 19th December. Rugby then resumes on the 9th January with a trip to Northwich for the return fixture. The final league game takes place on 10th 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 12th September
Bridgnorth RFC vs Sandbach Senior XV
Edgar Davies Ground, Bandon Lane, Bridgnorth

Saturday 19th September - Kick-off 3.00pm
Sandbach Senior XV vs Leek RFC
Bradwall Road, Sandbach

Sandbach 1st XV’s Revised Regional 2 North West 2026/27 Fixtures
Saturday 26th September
Sandbach 1st XV vs Northwich 1st XV

Saturday 3rd October
Sandbach 1st XV vs Winnington Park 1st XV

Saturday 10th October
Manchester 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 17th October
Warrington 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 24th October
Sandbach 1st XV vs Widnes 1st XV

Saturday 31st October
Wilmslow 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 7th November
Sandbach 1st XV vs Birkenhead Park 1st XV

Saturday 21st November
Burnage 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 28th November
Sandbach 1st XV vs Douglas (I.O.M.) 1st XV

Saturday 5th December
Firwood Waterloo 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 12th December
Sandbach 1st XV vs Manchester 1st XV

Saturday 19th December
Sandbach 1st XV vs Kirkby Lonsdale 1st XV

Saturday 9th January
Northwich 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 16th January
Winnington Park 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 23rd January
Sandbach 1st XV vs Warrington 1st XV

Saturday 6th February
Widnes 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 13th February
Sandbach 1st XV vs Wilmslow 1st XV

Saturday 20th February
Birkenhead Park 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 6th March
Sandbach 1st XV vs Burnage 1st XV

Saturday 13th March
Douglas (I.O.M.) 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV

Saturday 3rd April
Sandbach 1st XV vs Firwood Waterloo 1st XV

Saturday 10th April
Kirkby Lonsdale 1st XV vs Sandbach 1st XV