Banbury RUFC return to the Graf UK Stadium this Saturday as they welcome Nuneaton RFC for Round 18 of the Regional 1 Midlands campaign. With momentum building and confidence high following an impressive away victory last time out, the Bulls will be determined to continue their strong run of form on home soil.

Head Coach Soane Tongaʻuiha and Director of Rugby Matt Goode have seen their side grow steadily through the second half of the season, and this fixture presents another opportunity to reinforce that progress.

Banbury’s Season So Far
Banbury’s 2025–26 campaign has featured narrow defeats, high-scoring wins, and increasingly assured performances as the season has developed.

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
R16: Banbury 53–7 Stourbridge
R17: Newport (Salop) 17–20 Banbury

The Bulls have hit form in recent weeks, producing back-to-back statement performances, including a dominant 53–7 win over Stourbridge and a hard-fought 20–17 victory away at Newport (Salop). The squad now looks confident, cohesive, and dangerous in attack.

The Reverse Fixture
When the sides met in November, Banbury delivered one of their most emphatic displays of the season, securing a 63–5 victory away at Nuneaton. That result showcased the Bulls’ attacking sharpness and forward dominance.
However, Tongaʻuiha and Goode will be well aware that each fixture brings its own challenge, and Nuneaton will arrive motivated to improve on that previous meeting.

The Opposition: Nuneaton RFC
Nuneaton are a proud Midlands club with a strong community base and a competitive spirit. Known for their work rate and commitment, they continue to develop their squad and integrate younger players through their pathway.
They traditionally play a direct, forward-led style, looking to establish physical parity and build phases through sustained pressure. Despite results earlier in the season, Nuneaton remain a side capable of testing opponents who drop their intensity.

Key Focus Areas for Banbury

Maintain Momentum
Set the Standard Early
Defensive Accuracy
Clinical Execution

From the Coaches
Head Coach Soane Tongaʻuiha has emphasised belief and physical commitment as the foundation of Banbury’s recent run, while Director of Rugby Matt Goode continues to highlight discipline and composure as defining traits in close matches.

The objective now is to sustain momentum and continue climbing through the latter stages of the campaign.

Final Word
This Round 18 clash offers Banbury the chance to strengthen their position and build on an impressive February run. With the Graf UK Stadium crowd behind them and confidence high within the squad, the Bulls will be aiming to deliver another commanding home performance.

Kick-off is 2:15pm at the Graf UK Stadium on Saturday 28th February 2026.
Get down early and get behind the Bulls as they push for another strong result.