Richmond Rugby can today confirm the full line-up of Senior Men’s pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with a strong mix of opposition across three of the Senior Men’s sides - the First XV, Vikings (2nd XV) and Saxons (3rd XV).

Preparations begin in mid-August as the club’s senior squads ramp up their efforts for the season ahead, with a total of six fixtures scheduled – including a single home game at the Richmond Athletic Ground.

The pre-season fixtures kicks off on Saturday 16 August, with the Vikings and Saxons both travelling to Barnes RFC. A key early test, it provides an important platform for new combinations to gel and coaches to assess depth across the wider senior squad.

A week later on Saturday 23 August, Richmond will renew the sport’s oldest rivalry as the First XV and Vikings travel to Blackheath, continuing a tradition that dates back over 160 years. With both clubs steeped in rugby heritage, the fixture offers a fitting stage for pre-season intensity and physicality.

The First XV then head across the Severn to face Cardiff Rugby at The Arms Park on Saturday 6 September. Taking on a professional outfit with a rich history in European competition will be a valuable challenge, testing the squad in an elite environment ahead of the upcoming season in the Champ.

We round off our pre-season schedule with a home fixture against Cambridge, the only pre-season match at the RAG, on Saturday 20 September.

Speaking ahead of the fixtures, Richmond’s Head of Rugby Rob Powell said:
“It’s always exciting when you get back to playing matches. It gives you a great opportunity for the players to gel and to see where people are at after the pre-season training block.

We think we have some good fixtures lined up, ones that really test the group and give us the best possible chance of hitting the ground running.”

2025 Senior Men’s Pre-Season Fixtures
Vikings & Saxons
• Saturday 16 August – Barnes RFC (A)
1st XV & Vikings
• Saturday 23 August – Blackheath (A), Utilita Stadium
1st XV
• Saturday 6 September – Cardiff Rugby (A), Cardiff Arms Park
• Saturday 20 September – Cambridge (H), Richmond Athletic Ground

Further details regarding kick-off times and matchday information will be shared in due course via the club's website and social media channels.