MATCH DAY
28th Feb 26
Chairman’s Welcome
Dob in Dabber !
Dabber Willis has taken up hiding in the programme. All you have to do is find him and win a pint. Dob in Dabber at the Bar on match day, and if you’re the first to do so, you win a pint of ale or a glass of wine. Cheers Dabber!
GREATDAY Awesome Xmascameearly LovewasintheAir
1st Things First!
A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!
Player Sponsors
NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP
CUP
Additional Game. It has been decided that the Fiji v England game will be played at the Hill Dickinson 11 July. For tickets register your interest @ th Wales and Scotland will also host Fiji home game
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2 Be or not 2 Be!
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Player Sponsors
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again?
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again?
As for Harwell, the fixture was eventually awarded to us as a walkover after their third cancellation; a relief, given it fell the morning after 3rd Team Steak Night. Even with full tour mentality, it’s fair to say our preparation may not have been textbook. Whether that saved us or them, we’ll never know.
Next up Bicester II let’s hope the steak has been fully digested and our Barmy Army are ready to make mincemeat of Bicester. Come on you Barmy Army!
Where Angels Fly!
No game for our Angels persay this weekend, but quite a special event taking place regardless.
With Clubs in the region finding it difficult to field teams on a regular basis, the ladies have been working hard behind the seasons to ensure that ladies rugby is still being played whenever possible.
To that end the Angels have teamed up with Faringdon and Grove rugby clubs and come up with an exciting squad, 19 players, 6 from Witney, getting together and pulling on a shirt for the love of the game. Kind of like Oxfordshire Barbarians.
They are not travelling far, across to Gloucestershire for a battle with Stow on the Wold. The Angels are really looking forward to the game, it will be a great experience for them and we are sure they will come back all the better for it.
Academy The Future’s Bright!
Sun 21 Feb 2026 st
Chinnor 7 : 48 Academy
A convincing win… eventually, away at Chinnor last Sunday in the penultimate league fixture of the season. Witney took their time getting going, perhaps unsurprising given the deeply unpopular 10am kick-off. A mix of early indiscipline and some rather untidy play kept things scrappy, but it was Witney who struck first. A sharp backs move released Ethan on the left to open the scoring, before Reuben followed up smartly on a kick through to capitalise on a Chinnor fumble over the line, 10 : 0 and looking comfortable.
Chinnor responded with intent, but Witney’s defence held firm. That resolve was tested further when Reuben saw yellow for what might generously be described as a “borderline” high tackle. Even with 14, Witney extended their lead, slick handling sending J-man, Jacob, over from fullback for 15 : 0.
With the extra man, Chinnor finally found a way through, exploiting space out wide with a chip and chase to close the gap to 15 : 7 at the break.
Academy
The Future’s Bright!
A few well-chosen (and no doubt well-delivered) words at half time did the trick. Witney came out with renewed purpose and nearly scored immediately, only to spill the ball over the line. Redemption came soon after as Osian finished under the posts following a clinical set-piece move, 22 : 7.
From there, Witney began to cut loose. Leo added a touch of individual brilliance with a show-and-go and a 30-metre run-in. Seth then lit the afterburners to scorch down the wing, before turning provider, slicing through the defence to set up Ben, who finished and converted for 41 : 7. There was still time for a moment of irony as George saw yellow shortly after reminding everyone about the importance of discipline. Ed rounded things off in style, gliding through a midfield gap to score under the posts and seal a 48-7 win.
A strong result on paper, but one that felt harder work than it should have been. Against better sides, lapses in discipline and composure will be punished.
MOTM: Basil – yet another defensive masterclass DOTD: Seth – forgot his shorts… and unveiled pink sliders post-match to complete the look.
Academy The Future’s Bright!
Next up: Beaconsfield — a sterner test, and one that will require a full 60-minute performance. Beaconsfield sit comfortably one place above us in 3 , with a 6-point gap there is no chance of displacing them there. Of more concern is Hungerford sitting just 4 points below us. A bonus point is all we need to secure 4 , but I’m sure our Academy boys will want to finish on a high.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear…
We made the trip up to Twickenham not so much full of confidence, more in hope — we could do this… but… I said last week it was too close to call. I hoped England might edge it, but wasn’t brave enough to back it. Well… I did. £20 generously donated towards enhancing the Sky Bet shareholders’ annual bonus.
As for it being close? Not even remotely.
Ireland quickly found their rhythm, and England were left chasing a game they never really looked like influencing. George Ford, usually so reliable, missed two early opportunities to get England back into it, and from that point on the result never felt in doubt.
England 21 – 42 Ireland. Fortunately, we had Adie and Noah Gargan on the minibus home, which lifted spirits — so it wasn’t all doom and gloom.
I had predicted a Scotland win in Cardiff, albeit with the caveat that if Scotland were going to stumble anywhere, it would be at the Principality Stadium. For around 75 minutes, Welsh fans had every reason to believe.
Then, step forward Finn Russell. So often the architect of English heartbreak, this time he turned his attention to Wales, delivering the decisive moments that snatched victory away.
Wales 23 – 26 Scotland.
I feel your pain, Gareth Lewis and John Hughes.
Over in Lille — yes, that very venue of England’s famous triumph over the mighty Chile — it looked for a long time as though Italy might hold France to account, even if the outcome always felt inevitable.
France surged into a 19–0 lead, but Italy showed real fight. An unconverted try and a penalty saw them go into half-time just 11 points behind, and they held that margin deep into the second half.
However, in the final 10 minutes, France turned the screw with two converted tries to secure maximum points, leaving the Azzurri with nothing to show for their efforts.
France 33 – 8 Italy.
On current form, this French side will take some stopping — and will certainly give England plenty to think about.
M & Js
Investing in the Future
M & Js
Investing in the Future
Oxfordshire U14s PLate Semi Final
Witney U14s 50 : 0 Farringdon
M & Js Investing in the Future
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Player Sponsors
Witney Focus On! Gareth Tibbs
Gareth Tibbs is an RFU Level 2 qualified coach and Head Coach of the Witney Wolves, bringing a strong blend of playing experience, leadership and a people-first approach. Originally from the Lake District, Gareth grew up playing rugby league before switching to union at 19 after joining the Royal Air Force. Representing both RAF and club sides, including RAF Cyprus, this helped shape his passion for structured, disciplined rugby. A back injury brought his playing days to an early end, leading him into coaching. Gareth joined Witney Rugby Club in 2015, coaching an U11s side through to academy level over seven years, developing both players and young men, with several progressing into senior rugby. Now leading our SEND Team, the Wolves, Gareth’s focus is simple: create an inclusive, enjoyable environment where players develop and feel valued. His approach combines strong structure, player empowerment and a positive team culture. Under his leadership, the Wolves continue to grow, play with pride, and represent the club both on and off the field. From all at Witney Rugby Club: Thank you Gareth!
What’s On @ Hailey Road!
Veterans @ Hailey Road
Contrary to poular belief, you do not have to have:
Served in the Trenches of WWI
Be over 60 with a pacemaker!
Although being either of those does not preclude you from playing, we do ask for a letter from your parent.
A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!
How would you like 10% off everything you buy over the bar? With a WRFC Members Discount Card that’s exactly what you get. 10% off all your beers, teas, coffees, sandwiches etc. For a small anual fee, currently £25, you get a year’s worth of discounted products. That’s approximately 50p a week, so one pint of lager a week and you have made your money back, 2 pints and your saving at a level appreciated by Yorkshiremen.
To qualify for the card you need to be a signed up member of the Club.
Interested? email me or speak to any of the marvellous bar staff. ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk
Building Science, Attaining Excellence
