Sussex rugby clubs face THREE WEEK delay to start of season over rock-hard pitch worries
The RFU has delayed the start of the community rugby season because of concerns over pitch conditions affecting much of England – meaning clubs across Sussex will not start their league campaugns until late September.
The hot, dry summer led to the RFU reminding its members of guidance on managing rugby pitches in drought conditions and carrying out risk assessments to see if pitches are safe to use and to mitigate the risks of injury.
Many grounds are now unsuitable for safe full-contact activity and after getting feedback from clubs across different regions and discussing the options, the RFU has pushed the start of the season.
No competitive matches in RFU Men’s leagues at Regional 1 (the level Worthing Raiders play at) and below or RFU Women’s Leagues below PWR level will take place before September 21 – which in effect means the first matches are planned for Saturday, September 26.
"We know this decision will be disappointing for the clubs, schools and colleges, players, volunteers and fans looking forward to the start of the season, and we do not underestimate the impact it will have across the game," said RFU president Sir Bill Beaumont.
"While we recognise that not everyone will agree with this decision, making it now provides greater certainty for clubs, schools and colleges as they prepare for the months ahead.
"Player welfare and readiness have been central to our thinking throughout, alongside our desire to give the season the best possible opportunity to begin on a fair and consistent footing across the country."
But even with the later-than-expected start, Raiders say they are building for an exciting 2026/27 season with a new generation of players joining an increasingly ambitious squad, bringing together international talent, returning players and a strong pipeline of home-grown talent.
The Raiders are welcoming new players from Australia, Uganda, Croatia and Wales, underlining the growing attraction of Worthing as a destination for ambitious rugby players looking to develop, compete and be part of a high-performance environment.
Alongside the international additions, the club remains firmly committed to developing home-grown talent, with new players joining from local schools, colleges and universities.
Several players are also returning from university to their roots at Worthing Raiders, coming back to the club where their rugby journeys began.
Head Coach Ben Coulson is supported by an experienced coaching team including Tom Bowen, Liam Perkins, Jack Emmerson, Allister Coombe and Mick Orton.
The coaching team is creating an environment designed to challenge players, develop young talent and provide a clear pathway from emerging player to senior rugby.
Tim Mackew, chair of Raiders and Emerging Raiders, said: “We are incredibly excited about the group we are putting together for the 2026/27 season. What really stands out is the combination of experience, ambition and youth.
"We have players coming to Worthing from Australia, Uganda, Croatia and Wales, but equally importantly we are bringing through players from our own local schools, colleges and universities and welcoming back players who started their rugby journeys here.
"The Emerging Raiders pathway is a really important part of our vision. We want a young player coming into the club to be able to see a clear route from junior rugby all the way through to becoming a fully fledged Raider.
"We are absolutely committed to home-grown talent. International and external recruitment has an important role to play, but it should complement what we are developing here, not replace it.
"The depth we are building across every position gives us genuine competition for places, which can only raise standards throughout the squad.
"We have a first-class coaching team and a group of players who are hungry to improve. There is a fantastic blend of experience with the energy and potential of youth, and we believe that gives us a really strong platform for the season ahead.”