Smiths Rugby Ready to Attack the Season Ahead

After 9 weeks of preseason preparation, Smiths Rugby are gearing up for the start of the 2025-26 campaign on 6th September. With two away matches first up, their 1st XV visit St Mary's Old Boys in Counties 2 Gloucestershire and the United side have a friendly at Chosen Hill.

Smiths Rugby Seniors & Juniors at the Prince of Wales Stadium

1st XV captain Ben Hawker and United skipper Joe Hemming both agree that despite some tough fixtures, there is a buzz about the club.

Hawker explained, 'The addition of some new players in the last few weeks has been a boost to training numbers and competition for places will only improve standards across the squad.'

Hemming adds, 'The new faces are a real indication of how Smiths is viewed as a club and great to hear positive feedback from players as they settle in.'

With the challenge of building squad depth and seeing Smiths reach their potential, Head Coach Ben Parker has sought to tweak some things on the playing front.

'As a club we’re always looking to improve. We’ve enjoyed a lot of success in recent seasons, but we can’t stand still, the challenge now is to see how far we can go. We’ve strengthened both on and off the field, with real quality in the squad and the exciting addition of George Angell to the coaching team from Cinderford. Just as important is continuing to grow our culture and create an environment where players feel welcome, valued and able to play their best rugby. It’s also fantastic to see our new under-15s team settling in so quickly, and I’m really looking forward to watching them develop and eventually progress into the senior setup.'

Smiths first home matches will be a double-header at Prince of Wales Stadium on Saturday 13th September with the United side facing Bredon at 1pm and 1st XV vs Old Elizabethians at 3pm.

Training for U15s squad is from 6.30pm and senior squad from 6.45pm every Wednesday at Prince of Wales Stadium.