The 2026/27 season is going to take a little longer to get underway than we originally planned.

After a prolonged spell of dry weather, England Rugby has confirmed that the start of competitive community rugby across England has been pushed back by two weeks, with league rugby now set to begin from the week commencing 21st September.

The decision follows concerns over the condition of pitches across the country, with many grounds remaining hard and unsuitable for full-contact rugby. The RFU has said the delay gives clubs and players more time to prepare safely, while also providing greater certainty around fixtures, training and planning for the season ahead.

For the Withies, that has meant some changes to our opening fixtures, with two of our 1st XV league games having to be rearranged.

1st XV – New Dates

Our postponed league fixtures now have new dates in the diary:

Withycombe v Bideford
Saturday 10th October | 14:30
Raleigh Park

Exeter Saracens v Withycombe
Saturday 28th November | 14:30
Exhibition Fields, Exeter

So while we'll have to wait a little longer to properly get the league campaign underway, at least these two games now have confirmed dates and are safely back in the calendar.

2nd XV & Colts

We're still finalising the rearranged fixtures for the 2nd XV and Colts.

Those dates will be announced as soon as everything has been confirmed, so keep an eye on the website and our social media channels for the latest updates.

What happens in the meantime?

The delayed league start doesn't mean everything stops at the club.

The RFU has confirmed that training can continue, provided pitches are assessed for safety and appropriate guidance is followed around contact activity on hard ground. Friendly fixtures may also take place where local conditions, player readiness and safety allow.

For us, that means we'll continue to keep things moving where we can and, where conditions allow, we'll look to get some rugby played before the competitive season begins.

It's not quite the start to the season that any of us had planned, but there's still plenty to look forward to. We'll keep everyone updated as more fixtures are confirmed and, before long, we'll hopefully be properly underway.

Read the full RFU statement

The RFU's full statement on the delayed start to the competitive community rugby season can be read here