Rugby: Douglas to host newcomers on opening weekend

Vagabonds and Ramsey returning to English Clubs Championship

Report by Dave Christian:

North Ribblesdale visit Port-e-Chee for the first time on Saturday (6 September). 

The club is based in Settle and won Counties 1 Yorkshire last season so this is a promotion game for them. 

Their winning record was 22 from 22 and they picked up 19 try bonus points along the way - they may therefore be making a step up but, last season were definitely good for their position.

Douglas will miss powerful hooker Gihard Visagie but do have a few new names on the roster including the talented Josh Campbell, son of former Douglas prop Ben. 

Josh’s sister, Maylyn is something of a star for Vagabonds Ladies and Josh could be the next star to emerge from this talented family.

This could be a tight game and with no current form to judge on, the home advantage for Douglas may count for a lot.

Vagabonds and Ramsey return to English Clubs Championship

The 2025/26 rugby season gets underway on Saturday with two out of our four local sides both playing in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire. 

Both are away this weekend too - Vagabonds travel to Burnley for their opener while Ramsey head a bit further South to Congleton.

'Vagas' lost home and away to Burnley last season but otherwise had an unspectacular season, eventually finishing in seventh place with eight wins from 22 outings. 

Vagabonds were similarly unspectacular but put in a few good shifts towards the end of the season which could see them start with a spring in their step, it’ll need a big spring though to unseat Burnley at home.

Ramsey rejoin for the first time post-covid and they face fellow rejoiners Congleton. 

Congleton finished third in NORIWUL Division 2 South in a tight group at the top, coach Dave Kirby however left the club over the summer and it remains to be seen what effect that may have. 

Ramsey have some additions to the squad over the summer with Nathan Brew looking likely to get a nod in the nine jersey and youngster Ffinlo Corkill staking a claim to a spot on the bench. 

Ramsey’s Cheshire Plate experience should assist but away games are always toughies.

**

Fixtures 6 September, 2025

Regional 2 North West

Douglas v North Ribblesdale @ Port-e-Chee (2pm KO)

Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire

Congleton v Ramsey @ Congleton (1.30pm KO)

Burnley v Vagabonds @ Burnley (3pm KO)