Sandal RUFC’s 2026/27 season, which opens at Milnthorpe Green on Saturday 26th September, is an exciting and land-mark year in the Club’s history being its Centenary season. Unfortunately, it had to be delayed two weeks by the Rugby Football Union, because of an increased risk to injury caused by the drought. The opening fixture is against Middlesbrough RUFC competing in Regional 1 North East.
Their opening day opponents have always proved to be a creditable outfit such that over many years, in terms of success, the honours have been shared. Notwithstanding, Sandal has no doubt that the fixture will be hard fought and one which will provide spectators with an interesting and exciting encounter.
The Club’s Director of Rugby, Tim Wicks, reports that pre-season training numbers have been strong and work has continued in the development of a relatively young squad. Focus has been on improving decision making with emphasis on improving the side’s defence, breakdown and set piece ability. Regional 1 North East remains an extremely competitive league and the side has to be realistic about where it is in the re-building process, but with an intention of continuing to improve and move forward during the celebratory season.
The Club has strengthened its senior coaching group with Karolis Navickas, from Lithuania, joining as a forwards’ player/coach having coached and captained his national side. He has also gained experience by playing in the Russian premiership, with the French Bordeaux Begles and last season in Ireland. New backs’ player/coach Joe Potter, has joined the team having spent the last two seasons at Otley RFC, having previously played three seasons at Huddersfield RUFC. Both bring a wealth of playing experience and will influence standards both as players and coaches. In addition, Simon Betty joins as an assistant backs’ coach having previously coached at Ossett RUFC and Sandal’s Andy Key will take responsibility as an assistant forwards’ coach. Both will be working across the 1st XV and the Saracens XV.
On the playing front, Billy Addy, returns to Sandal, having originally come through the Mini and Junior section. He made some Sandal 1st XV appearances before attending Hull University prior to the covid pandemic, following which he gained experience with Hull Ionians RFC and Sedgley Park RUFC. He is back-row recruit, who will bring valuable experience to the side’s forward play. Declan Thompson, leading from the front, will captain the side, supported by joint vice captains Mihali Joannou and Joe Potter.
Last season challenges had to be overcome, with the side having to work hard to secure a 7th final league placing. However, finishing the season by winning the Yorkshire Cup was a fantastic achievement for a relatively young side, which gave the coaches something positive to build on. So, with having to manage the re-building process of a young squad it would be foolhardy to make any predictions about final league placing. But, with 2026/27 being the Club’s Centenary year, it is important to respect and celebrate 100 years at Milnthorpe Green knowing how far Sandal RUFC has come in that time, whilst continuing to build on its future with success throughout the season and into the future .
Sandal’s home fixtures for the 2026/27 season are: -
September 26- Middlesbrough
October 17 – Northern
October 24 – York
November 7 – Scunthorpe
November 28 – Blaydon
December 12 – Ilkley
December 19 – Hull
January 16 – North Ribblesdale
February 13 – Scarborough
March 6 – Alnwick
April 3 – Driffield

Written By Howard Newton