2026/27 Previews: National Two North
Could Sedgley Park (right) follow in Sheffield's footsteps and clinch the National Two North title this season?
©Colin Fisher
After Sheffield’s superb run to the title last season, how will the promotion race unfold in National Two North this time around?
With the play-off system once again in place, the battle for the top two could be more intense than ever, with Sedgley Park possibly among the leading candidates.
After three seasons in National One, Scott Barrow’s side were relegated last term, but the noises coming out of Park Lane suggest an immediate return is in their thoughts.
The departures of players such as Rhys Henderson and club legend Andy Riley represent something of a changing of the guard for the Tigers, but with the likes of Joe Bedlow arriving from Sale Sharks, there is still plenty of quality in their ranks and they will be one of the sides to watch.
In fact, Darlington Mowden Park head coach Darren Fearn pointed to exactly that ahead of the North-East side’s visit to Sedge on Saturday.
A new-look DMP finished fifth last season, but their recently announced partnership with Newcastle Red Bulls will certainly excite those connected with the club.
The signing of former Scotland international and Newcastle forward Gary Graham may grab the headlines, but a crop of emerging, hungry recruits - such as Zack Dodds and Junior Newton - could pave the way for some exciting rugby from Fearn and Neil Young’s side.
Fellow North-East outfit Tynedale could also be in the mix towards the top.
Peter Southern’s men finished second last season to book their place in the play-offs, but they unfortunately fell at the first hurdle against National Two East side Oundle.
Nevertheless, 21 wins from 26 matches provides a strong platform to build on, and they begin their new campaign with a trip to Sheffield Tigers, who enjoyed some encouraging pre-season victories over Bournville and city rivals Sheffield.
Elsewhere, Hull Ionians, who finished an excellent fourth last term, will be looking to take another step forward. They begin the new season at home against newly promoted Huddersfield, who enjoyed a 2025/26 campaign to rival any.
Despite 20 wins from 21 games, automatic promotion from Regional 1 North West went down to the final day, with Huddersfield holding pole position.
They welcomed second-placed Anselmians to Lockwood Park and got the job done with a 36-26 victory.
Their promotion ended a two-season absence from Level Four while for Harrogate, it was a case of bouncing back at the first attempt.
But let’s just say they did it the hard way.
The Aces finished third in Regional 1 North East but beat second-placed Alnwick 45-35 away from home in the first stage of the play-offs. They then edged Anselmians 41-40, also on the road.
That set up a meeting away at Rossendale in the National Two Accession Finals, where a brace from Steve Maycock helped the Yorkshire outfit to a 21-14 victory and a stunning promotion.
Harrogate begin the new campaign with the short trip to Otley, who finished just two points above the relegation play-off spot last season.
Newly-promoted Heath, meanwhile, are entering a new chapter.
After three top-three finishes in recent seasons, 21 wins from 22 games secured the Regional 1 North East title in 2025/26.
Led by former Sale FC, Fylde and Huddersfield fly-half Chris Johnson, Heath are relishing the challenge ahead.
They start with a trip to Preston Grasshoppers, who have added plenty of experience to their ranks in the shape of Matt Ashcroft from Fylde as well as Josh Ree and player-coach Matt Sturgess from Sedgley Park.
Dan Orwin's side finished last term with five wins from their final seven matches, which could be something they can carry into this campaign.
Meanwhile, Chester are back in National Two North following their level transfer from National Two West and begin with a home meeting against Wharfedale.
And Fylde, who finished sixth last term, travel to Billingham in Round One, who will be looking to continue building after once again maintaining their National Two status in 25/26.
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