Five rounds into the 2026-27 Elior Champ, Rotherham Titans are flying in fourth while newly promoted Blackheath are still settling. Mark Ashcroft looks at both clubs’ contrasting starts, key results and what comes next.

Blackheath will join Rotherham Titans in Champ Rugby after a storming display saw Tom Stradwick’s side defeat London Scottish 27-7 in the Champ Rugby Accession Final.

After relegation from National One in 2022, the world’s oldest rugby club have an opportunity to clinch promotion to Champ Rugby.

The National One Promotion Play-Off is arguably the biggest game in the country, with Blackheath taking on Plymouth Albion.

According to England Rugby's stats, Blackheath hooker Billy Harding is the top try-scorer across the 12 levels of English club rugby this season.

The final round of fixtures in National One is now upon us and with promotion and relegation already confirmed; attention turns to the race for the runners-up place.

A stunning opening 15 minutes saw ‘Club’ notch up four scores to stun their London neighbours, Blackheath going on to record a hugely important 38-10 win.