The 2025/26 season demonstrated the depth of Burton Rugby Club. From the continued success of the 1st XV at Level 5, to the development opportunities provided through the A and B teams, as well as through the women’s teams, the club continues to build a sustainable future while remaining competitive across all levels.
With more than 160 players representing the club’s senior men’s teams during the season and a significant number of players making the step into higher levels of rugby, Burton Rugby Club enters the next campaign with strong foundations and plenty of optimism for the future.
Burton 1st XV successfully retained its RFU Level 5 status for an eighth consecutive season. Competing in a highly competitive division, Burton finished in an impressive fourth position, securing 12 victories from 22 league matches and accumulating 71 league points. This is the club’s highest total in a 22-game league campaign and its highest league finish at this level.
The side demonstrated consistency and attacking intent throughout the season, collecting an outstanding 18 try bonus points alongside three losing bonus points. The campaign also highlighted the strength of the club’s player pathway, with 42 players representing the 1st XV and an incredible 17 players making their 1st XV debuts.
Cup rugby again brought success and excitement. Burton lifted the Staffordshire County Cup as part of our pre-season preparations and reached the final once more, reinforcing the club’s standing as one of the county’s leading sides.
Leading the scoring charts was James Davies with an outstanding 19 tries, supported by Tristan de Jäger and Tom Braun with nine tries apiece, while Javiah Pohe crossed the whitewash seven times. The most appearances were shared by Charlie Bunting and Tristan de Jäger, who each represented the side on 23 occasions.
The season was another important step forward for the 1st XV, combining competitive success with the continued development of the next generation of Burton players.
The second team, Burton A XV, also enjoyed a competitive season in Counties 2 Midlands West (West), finishing seventh in Level 8 rugby. The side secured nine victories from 22 league fixtures and continued to play a crucial role in developing players and providing a pathway towards 1st XV rugby.
Leading the appearance charts were Caleb Dutton with 16 appearances, Alex Yigit with 15 and Callum Slatcher-Ball with 14. Caleb Dutton’s commitment and performances throughout the season earned him the A Team Coaches’ Player of the Year award, while George Abel was deservedly recognised by his teammates as the A Team Players’ Player of the Year.
Competing in Counties 3 Midlands West (North) at Level 9, Burton B XV faced a more challenging season, but continued to embody the spirit and resilience that are central to Burton Rugby Club.
Despite finishing 12th and recording one league victory from 22 matches, the B XV remained an essential part of the club’s rugby programme, providing opportunities for players of all ages and experience levels to represent Burton.
The commitment of players was reflected in the appearance statistics, with Ralph Parr leading the way with 16 appearances, closely followed by Simon Bradley and Aidan Raw on 15 appearances each.
Tim Goring was recognised with the B Team Coaches’ Player of the Year award for his contribution and dedication throughout the season, while Simon Bradley was voted B Team Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates.
While results were difficult, the B XV’s commitment, perseverance and contribution to the wider club remain invaluable.
BURTON RUGBY CLUB AWARDS (Click here to expand)
A number of individuals were recognised for their outstanding contributions during the season:
Breakthrough Player of the Year: Dylan Shrehorn
Coaches’ Award: Llyr Griffiths
1st XV Players’ Player of the Year: Jos McConkey
Roy Bradley Memorial Trophy: Bill Spencelayh
William Barbour Trophy winner: Chaz Bunting
Awarded to the player who has provided the Club Captain with the greatest support through their service both on and off the field throughout the season.
Bob Watson Award winner: Ben Chant
Donated by former Club Patron Bob Watson, this award recognises the player, at any level within the club, who has given exceptional service to Burton Rugby Club both on and off the field.
Clubman of the Year winner: Chaz Bunting
Donated by the family of the late Tony Docksey, this prestigious award is presented to the individual who most embodies Tony’s commitment, loyalty and service to Burton Rugby Club.
Colts (u18) Awards
Colts Player of the Season winner: Kobie Monkam
Voted for by the Colts Management Team and awarded to the player who has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance, commitment and contribution throughout the season.
Colts Players’ Player of the Season winner: Haytham Moll
Donated by Club Patron Harold Grief, this award recognises the Colt who, in the view of his fellow teammates, has been the outstanding player of the season.
Following the success of the 2024/25 season, 2025/26 was always going to be a difficult campaign for Burton Senior Ladies. Significant player turnover – including retirements, university departures, relocations and the loss of several front-row players through injury and travel – created major challenges throughout the season.
Despite this, the squad demonstrated tremendous resilience. New recruits made an immediate impact, our relationship with Derby University strengthened considerably, and several players stepped into leadership roles with great success, highlighting the spirit and togetherness that defines the Burton Badgers.
The season also brought disruption off the field. Chelsea Grimley stepped down as Head Coach before the opening league fixture, while Joe’s battle with Long Covid meant Kev and Mike assumed much of the coaching responsibility during the first half of the season.
Results reflected the challenges faced. There were notable victories over Stourbridge and several performances that deserved greater reward, particularly against eventual champions Stafford and runners-up Clee Hill. However, injuries, reduced squad numbers and front-row shortages ultimately took their toll. Two fixtures had to be conceded due to a lack of front-row players, and despite a valiant effort in the final game at Old Halesonians, the season ended in relegation to NC3.
Looking ahead, there is genuine optimism surrounding the 2026/27 season. Positive structural changes within the women’s and girls’ sections, strong summer recruitment including two player-coaches, and the implementation of a new club-wide playbook framework provide an excellent foundation for success. The aim will be an immediate push for promotion alongside competitive runs in both the National and County Cup competitions.
Finally, we thank Mike Ball for his continued support and recognise the outstanding contribution of Kev Able, who retires after 21 seasons of coaching at Burton RFC. His influence on generations of Burton players and the culture of the Burton Badgers cannot be overstated.
U18 SEASON REVIEW (Click here to expand)
Burton Colts
The 2025/26 season proved to be another highly successful campaign for Burton Rugby Colts, delivering both impressive results on the field and continued progression of players into senior rugby.
Competing across the Staffordshire Transition Programme, NLD Colts League, Staffordshire County Colts Cup and National Colts Cup, the squad enjoyed an outstanding season, winning 20 of their 24 fixtures. The highlight of the campaign came in the Staffordshire County Colts Cup Final, where Burton produced a superb performance to defeat Wolverhampton 40-24 at Wednesbury RFC and lift the trophy. This success built on the momentum generated by the previous season’s achievements in the NLD Plate competition.
The Colts also tested themselves on the national stage, reaching the second round of the National Colts Cup before narrowly losing to Lichfield. The experience gained against high-quality opposition will undoubtedly benefit the players as they continue their rugby journeys.
Under 18 Girls
The season presented a number of challenges for the Under-18 Girls, but it was also a year filled with resilience, development and achievements that provide great optimism for the future.
The introduction of dual age banding within the girls’ game meant several players remained within the Under-16 age group, while the absence of an older age group above Under-18s created additional challenges in maintaining squad numbers. The loss of several players to neighbouring clubs further reduced playing numbers throughout the season.
Despite these obstacles, the girls continued to show outstanding commitment and determination. Through a successful cluster arrangement with Tamworth and Ashby, who faced similar challenges, meaningful fixtures were maintained throughout the campaign, ensuring players continued to enjoy regular rugby and valuable development opportunities.
While victories were hard-earned, with the team recording two wins during the season, performances consistently demonstrated the quality, character and potential within the squad.
Harry Titley is Director of Rugby at Burton Rugby Football Club.