The first opportunity for supporters to see the Clifton 2026-27 squad in action will be on Saturday August 22 from 13.30 when London Welsh RFC will join us for preseason fixtures against both the 1st and Wanderers teams.
Once one of the most famous clubs across world rugby, they produced many players for the Welsh team and British & Irish Lions. A great atmosphere is expected with travelling supporters perhaps even bringing some traditional Welsh choral backing for their team !
Throughout the afternoon bar and catering facilities will be in operation with a chance to sample the welcoming and unique Clifton atmosphere and meet club officers.
Director of rugby Paul Fincken reports: ” We have had a very good numbers at preseason training with more players still to join and a number of exciting prospects as we strengthen and rebuild the squad for the new season.”
Many players are seeking sponsors for the approaching season at £450 plus VAT for the season. Local businesses, employers supporters, friends and families are invited to discuss possibilities for this option and other ways to back the club with a conversation with commercial manager Alison Harvey alisonharvey@cliftonrugby.co.uk
The league season kicks off in earnest with a trip to old Westcountry rivals Cinderford on September 5 with the first home fixture on September 12 being a local derby with Old Redcliffians.
That, strangely, is the only home fixture in September. However, on the 19th Clifton take the short trip to the Hornets in Weston.
Throughout the coming months many traditional old rivalries and friendships will be revived with opponents including Redruth, Taunton, Exeter University, and Barnstaple.
A very high proportion of players across the club’s three teams have been retained and an enthusiastic Fincken states “preseason has kicked off well and despite the heat the boys are working hard on conditioning and gameplay structure with a view to hitting the ground running by the time the first league games come around”.
Among crowd favourites again puling on the famous lavender and black shirt will be key playmaker and scrum half Mitch Spencer, powerful back row forward Brad Talbot, outstanding goal kicker and attack launcher Tom Quinlan at fly half, uncompromising hooker Tom Anderson, speedster and try scorer winger Zak Hamid and formidable lock forward Toby Hutchinson.
At all playing levels including the free try scoring Misfits XV new players are welcome.
Roger Opie