The Playoff Stakes - 2026

With 3 more Elinor Champ Rugby rounds to go, where are we in the playoff scenarios?  Let's take a look.   Ealing Trailfinders are the powerbrokers, the key holders at the top of the division. They have to play Cornish Pirates, home next Saturday, then Worcester Warriors on May 2nd (a) and Bedford at home on May 9th.  Surely with the regular season wrapped up they will ease off? I have more chance of swimming the English Channel than that! The chance to create a record 26 wins, a record that, in my opinion, will never be bettered or matched plus winning a 'Threepeat?' Fat chance.  I think the top four will be Ealing, Worcester, Bedford or Cov.  I still think Cov have a chance of a second place finish but not if the form showed at Nottingham is repeated.  The remaining two places will be between Chinnor, Cornish Pirates, Hartpury and Nottingham.  The two teams successfull out of these teams face a trip to play a quarter-final at a team who finished 3rd or fourth.   Still plenty to play for and to keep the interest going. Although, I have to say, imo, Ealing Trailfinders will still be the deserved and real champions as their form has been nothing short of incredible, they have been in some sticky positions this season but have managed to find a way to win.  Unreal season. 

At the bottom, sad to say , Cambridge, Cov's visitors this Friday, are doomed.  It will be disappointing to see Cambridge no longer on our fixture lists , as I always found a visit to Eligia Fields, and the supporters , very welcoming.  It seems from what I am hearing they ( Cambridge) have been preparing for their eventual drop for some time.  I hope this is purely a temporary demotion.  They are likely to be replaced by current National One leaders , Rotherham. 

The 11th and 10th teams in our division then have a playoff game between each other and then face the National One runner-up for a place in the Elior Champ Rugby for season 2026/2027.  There is still some interest in the division. 

I suspect, regarding Cov, a 3rd or 4th place finish in the regular season might be preferable, in terms of finance and profitability, as the playoff game itself will be all pay as Season Memberships are not valid for playoff games. 

Finally, like me , if you are going to Penzance for the Pirates game, can I request your support in cheering Cov home in this vital match? On a ground where Cov hopes have been dashed on far too many occasions, including last season's car crash, let's give the boys our support the very best we can for 80 minutes.  A W , and a hoarse throat, I can live with! 

Here's hoping for the best!