Banbury RUFC return to the Graf UK Stadium this weekend as they welcome Stourbridge RFC for Round 16 of the Regional 1 Midlands campaign. After a difficult outing in the rearranged fixture at Lichfield last time out, the Bulls will be determined to respond in front of their home supporters and build on the momentum generated earlier in January.

Head Coach Soane Tongaʻuiha and Director of Rugby Matt Goode will be looking for a composed and disciplined performance as Banbury continue their push through the second half of the season.

Banbury’s Season So Far
Banbury’s 2025–26 campaign has been defined by resilience, strong attacking displays, and several tightly contested matches. Despite a handful of narrow defeats earlier in the season, the Bulls have shown significant progress in both structure and confidence.

Results to Date:

R1: Banbury 31–19 Bromsgrove
R2: Banbury 50–15 Newent
R3: Dudley Kingswinford 14–27 Banbury
R4: Banbury 19–20 Lichfield
R5: Lutterworth 42–18 Banbury
R6: Stourbridge 30–28 Banbury
R7: Banbury 19–20 Newport (Salop)
R8: Nuneaton 5–63 Banbury
R9: Banbury 7–14 Bridgnorth
R10: Bournville 54–17 Banbury
R11: Banbury 32–15 Drybrook
R12: Newent 31–28 Banbury
R13: Banbury 32–12 Dudley Kingswinford
R14: Lichfield P–P Banbury
R15: Banbury 53–26 Lutterworth
R14 (Rearranged): Lichfield 56–17 Banbury

The emphatic 53–26 victory over Lutterworth earlier this month showcased Banbury’s attacking potential, while last weekend’s result at Lichfield provides added motivation heading into this fixture.

The Opposition: Stourbridge RFC
Stourbridge arrive at the Graf UK Stadium as one of the division’s most physical and well-drilled outfits. Known for their forward power and structured approach, they are comfortable playing territory-based rugby and applying pressure through set-piece dominance.

The reverse fixture in October saw Stourbridge edge a tight contest 30–28, a match that highlighted just how closely matched the two sides are. Banbury will be eager to turn the tables this time around on home soil.

Key Focus Areas for Banbury

Fast Start at Home
Set-Piece Accuracy
Discipline & Territory
Clinical Finishing

From the Coaches
Head Coach Soane Tongaʻuiha continues to emphasise belief, physicality, and connection within the squad, while Director of Rugby Matt Goode has highlighted the importance of backing performances up week to week.

After a busy January schedule, this home fixture provides a chance for Banbury to reset, refocus, and show their progression against one of the league’s most consistent sides.

Final Word
This Round 16 clash promises another competitive encounter between two evenly matched teams. With the Graf UK Stadium crowd behind them and memories of the narrow defeat earlier in the season still fresh, Banbury will be determined to deliver a strong performance and defend home turf.

Kick-off is at the Graf UK Stadium on Saturday 31st January.
Get down early, make some noise, and get behind the Bulls.