Following an extended Easter break for National League Rugby the clubs started to face what may be termed the business end of the season when places are fought for the promotion slots to the Rugby Football Union’s national leagues and, at the opposite end of table, avoidance of relegation back into the regional leagues.
The season ended at the end of April and two final games towards the end of the month will have decided if Clifton Rugby Club will kick off the 2026-27 season in September remaining in National One or moving back into National League West.
Their first season back on the national scene has, as expected, been tough with some formidable opponents and long coach journeys especially to teams in the north and east of the country. The devastating news in March of the sudden death of their highly regarded Director of Rugby Matt Salter cast a shadow over everyone at Clifton and across the wider rugby community and the community at Clifton College where he worked as their Director of Rugby.
Highlights of the season will be recognised at the club’s annual dinner in May with stories to be shared about individual and team efforts over the long months in games played on muddy pitches and cold temperatures.
Completing home and away double victories over Sedgely Park from Manchester and more significantly over local long standing rivals Dings Crusaders are certain to feature. Bristol can be proud of having two clubs competing at this level as well, of course, having Bristol Bears in the Premiership.
The home win over Dings was played as a celebration of the life of Matt Salter and could not have had a more dramatic conclusion with clock going into the red a decision was taken not to take a simple penalty kick to draw the match but to go for territory and seek a try. The decision paid off and how Matt would have enjoyed that moment of challenge and enterprise.
Inevitably over the summer months there will be news of players retiring and some moving away as career and playing opportunities take them away from Bristol.
Player recruitment will begin as preseason training starts in June. With Clifton having three regular teams in national, regional, and local leagues players of all abilities will be made welcome to join the Clifton ranks. Details will be on the club’s website.
Roger Opie