Yeovil Rugby Club

17–18 October 2026 | Team News, Returning Players and Three Important League Fixtures

Following last weekend's fantastic double victory for our senior men, Yeovil Rugby Club heads into another weekend of competitive rugby with confidence growing across the squads.

The 1st XV travel to Blandford looking to continue their impressive start to the season, the Barbarians welcome Wincanton to Church Lane hoping to make it three consecutive victories, and our Women's 1st XV head to Southampton determined to return to winning ways.

With familiar faces returning, young players earning opportunities and some interesting selections across all three squads, there's plenty to talk about!

SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER | BLANDFORD RFC v YEOVIL 1ST XV

Kick-off: 3pm | Buttercup Lane, Blandford, DT11 7LQ

The Lads Are Finding Their Feet – And They're Getting Dangerous!

What a start to the season for Yeovil's 1st XV!

Three league fixtures have brought two impressive victories and one narrow defeat, with the squad continuing to demonstrate the positive impact of the new coaching set-up.

An opening 34–27 victory against North Dorset II was followed by a frustrating 27–23 defeat to Wimborne II, a game Yeovil came agonisingly close to winning.

Then came last weekend's trip to Weymouth & Portland.

Trailing at half-time, Yeovil returned to the pitch with renewed determination and produced a devastating second-half performance to secure an emphatic 57–21 away victory.

It was a display full of attacking ambition, physicality and confidence.

Now the challenge is to build on that momentum.

Changes in the Front Row – Cross Steps Up!

With Jake Mortley unavailable through injury, Yeovil have made changes to their front row for Saturday's trip.

Rob Cross, proudly sponsored by Conevgar Lodge, steps into the number one shirt.

Alongside him, Will Tearall continues at hooker, with Brandon Brown, sponsored by Betty's Burgers, completing the front-row combination.

It's a powerful-looking unit with plenty of experience and physical presence.

Scrum time will be an important part of Saturday's contest, and these three will be looking to provide the platform for Yeovil's attacking players.

We wish Jake a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in action.

The Centres Are Looking Absolutely Lethal!

If there's one area of this week's squad that's particularly exciting, it's the attacking options in the backs.

Sam Bryant, Harry McHugh and Ollie Holloway bring together an exciting combination of speed, strength and sheer attacking unpredictability.

Sam Bryant, proudly sponsored by Jones Building Group, moves into the centres, bringing his physicality and attacking ability into a backline already full of confidence.

Harry McHugh, sponsored by RSC, has started the season strongly and continues to be an important attacking threat.

And then there's Ollie Holloway.

What a start to the season he's having!

After scoring a hat-trick for the Barbarians against Hornets IV, Ollie earned his opportunity with the 1st XV last weekend and added another try to his growing tally.

His commitment at training and impressive performances have been rewarded with a starting position this Saturday.

Three players bringing pace, power and a willingness to attack. Blandford's defence could have a very busy afternoon!

Returning Face at Fullback – Sam Lyes

Another interesting selection sees Sam Lyes join the squad and take the number 15 shirt.

Sam, proudly sponsored by Built by Lucy, will be responsible for providing that vital last line of defence.

Fullback is a position requiring excellent positional awareness, safe hands under the high ball, confident tackling and the ability to turn defence into attack.

With Yeovil's backs showing increasing ambition, the number 15 also has an important attacking role, joining the line when opportunities arise and creating additional options out wide.

It's always a good sign when Same Lyes finishes the back line !

A Strong Bench Ready to Make an Impact

The quality doesn't stop with the starting XV.

Yeovil travel with a strong group of replacements, including James Read, Frankie Tate, Jake Banbury and Darren Pointer.

Frankie continues his progression through the club after making his 1st XV debut last weekend at just 18 years old.

Having played at Yeovil since he was five, his development from Mini Rugby into the senior 1st XV is something the club can be incredibly proud of.

Darren Pointer, sponsored by Churchill's Home and Garden Improvements, brings valuable attacking experience and pace.

Jake Banbury, sponsored by Penmill Scaffolding, and James Read provide further options for the coaching team.

Having players of this calibre ready to come on gives Yeovil the opportunity to maintain intensity throughout the match.

The Opposition – Blandford RFC

Blandford have experienced a mixed opening to their league campaign.

Their season began with a difficult 61–0 home defeat against Wimborne II, before they bounced back with an impressive 42–19 away victory over Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew.

Last weekend, however, they suffered another defeat, losing 49–22 against North Dorset II.

That leaves Blandford with one victory and two defeats from their opening three league fixtures.

For Yeovil, who arrive having won two of their first three games, Saturday represents another opportunity to strengthen their position in the league.

But Blandford have already shown they can respond strongly to disappointment, and home advantage will give them added motivation.

Yeovil will need to bring the same determination and attacking ambition that proved so effective against Weymouth.

Can the 1st XV make it three victories from four league games?

With confidence growing and competition for places increasing, there's every reason to be excited.

SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER | YEOVIL BARBARIANS v WINCANTON

Kick-off: 3pm | Yeovil Rugby Club, Church Lane, BA22 9TR

The Barbs Are on a Roll!

Two consecutive victories, growing confidence and an increasingly competitive squad.

The Yeovil Barbarians are beginning to make some serious noise this season!

Following their impressive 62–19 away victory over Hornets IV, the Barbs returned home last weekend to face Morganians.

It proved to be a much tighter encounter, but Yeovil dug deep and secured a brilliant 27–22 victory.

Harry Bartin was the star of the try-scoring show, crossing three times, while Alfie Broadhurst added another two tries, with James Fay slotting the extras.

Two very different victories, demonstrating that the Barbarians can produce free-flowing attacking rugby and battle their way through a closely contested match.

Now they're looking for a third consecutive win.

The Nibbler Returns!

There's a familiar face making his way back to Yeovil this weekend.

The Nibbler is leaving the Big Smoke behind and heading home to pull on the Yeovil shirt!

There's something special about players returning to represent their home club, particularly when it means making the journey back to be part of the squad.

It's another demonstration of the commitment and loyalty that makes grassroots rugby what it is.

Welcome home, Nibbler!

Dan Pennell Returns to the Backs!

Another welcome return sees Dan Pennell named in the starting XV at number 12.

The inside centre plays a vital role in linking the forwards and backs, providing an attacking option, carrying strongly and helping organise the defensive line.

It's a position that demands physicality, vision, good hands and the confidence to make decisions under pressure.

Dan's return adds another option to the Barbarians' backline, and we're looking forward to seeing him back in action.

Bartin Back at Seven!

After his superb hat-trick against Morganians, Harry Bartin once again starts in the number seven shirt.

Harry has enjoyed an exciting few weeks, making his 1st XV debut before returning to the Barbarians and producing an outstanding try-scoring performance.

The openside flanker will be looking to build on that momentum, bringing energy, tackling and a competitive edge at the breakdown.

Another player whose development is becoming increasingly exciting to follow.

More Opportunities Across the Squad

The Barbarians continue to benefit from growing numbers and increasing competition for places.

Ridi Agbuke, who made his rugby debut last weekend after recently taking up the sport, is back in the squad.

It's fantastic to see him continuing his rugby journey after taking that first step into the game.

Marc Law captains the side, with coaches Henry Guy and Terry Guy continuing to guide a squad that is growing in confidence and ambition.

The positive atmosphere around the team is becoming increasingly evident, both at training and on matchdays.

The Opposition – Wincanton

Wincanton arrive at Church Lane having also enjoyed a competitive start to the season.

They opened their campaign with an emphatic 66–0 victory over Hornets IV, before edging an extraordinary 45–44 win against Weston-super-Mare III.

Last weekend brought their first defeat, a 34–27 loss against Wells II.

Like Yeovil, Wincanton have recorded two victories from their opening three fixtures.

That makes Saturday's encounter a particularly interesting contest.

Both teams have demonstrated their attacking ability, both have winning momentum to build on, and both will be eager to secure another important league result.

For the Barbarians, home advantage and confidence from back-to-back victories could prove important.

Can the Barbs make it three wins on the bounce?

Come down to Church Lane and get behind them!

🍻 The clubhouse bar will be open, with everyone welcome to enjoy an afternoon of rugby.

SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER | TROJANS LADIES II v YEOVIL WOMEN'S 1ST XV

Kick-off: 2pm | Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 9HT

Time for a Response – The Women Head to Southampton!

Sunday sees Yeovil Women's 1st XV travel to Eastleigh to face Trojans Ladies II, looking to rediscover the winning form that started their league campaign so positively.

The women opened their league season with an excellent 27–20 away victory against Crediton, demonstrating determination, attacking ability and the resilience needed to secure an important win.

Last weekend brought disappointment with a 29–14 home defeat against Penryn, but the squad will be looking to put that result behind them and return to winning ways.

With some changes to this weekend's line-up, there are fresh opportunities for players to step forward and make their mark.

The focus now turns to building on the positives from their opening league victory, improving consistency and bringing another strong performance to the pitch.

Can the women bounce back and bring home the points from Southampton? 🖤🤍

Changes to the Squad – An Opportunity to Respond

This weekend's team sheet sees changes across the squad as the women prepare for another challenging away fixture.

Beth Chubb captains the side from the front row, supported by vice-captains Katie Tucker and Tia Shrimpton.

With Lauren McClelland and Beth Glover completing the front row, Yeovil will be looking to establish a strong platform up front.

The pack also includes Ellie Dennis, who has already earned recognition for her performances this season, alongside a combination of players ready to take on the challenge.

In the backs, Lauren Jenkins, Tia Shrimpton, Sophie De Caen and the rest of the backline will be looking to create opportunities and bring greater consistency to Yeovil's attacking play.

Changes to a squad can present challenges, but they also provide opportunities for players to step forward, develop combinations and demonstrate what they can bring to the team.

The focus this weekend will be on working together, maintaining discipline and making the most of opportunities.

The Opposition – Trojans Ladies II

Trojans Ladies II will be another interesting challenge for Yeovil.

Their recorded league results so far are limited, but they were awarded a home walkover victory against Crediton on 11 October.

That means their position in the table does not necessarily reflect a full series of matches played on the pitch.

For Yeovil, Sunday's fixture will be an opportunity to test themselves against another side in the division and work towards a return to winning ways.

Travelling to Southampton won't be an easy task, but the squad has already demonstrated that it can produce strong performances away from home.

The opening victory against Crediton showed exactly what can be achieved when the players work together and take their opportunities.

Can Yeovil rediscover that form and bring the points home from Southampton?

We wish the ladies the very best of luck.

THREE SQUADS, THREE CHALLENGES, ONE CLUB!

There's another exciting weekend ahead for Yeovil Rugby Club.

The 1st XV are looking to continue their strong start to the season.

The Barbarians are chasing a third consecutive victory.

And the Women's 1st XV are determined to respond and get their league campaign moving in the right direction.

Across all three squads, we're seeing players return, young talent develop and opportunities being created.

It's exactly what a thriving rugby club should be about.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend our thanks to all the businesses and organisations supporting our players and teams, including our principal kit sponsors Stuart Foster Funeral Services, Jones Building Group and Luna Electrical Services.

Our women's section is also proudly supported by Chiropractic Care Clinics and SCC – Roundswell Taunton Yeovil.

Your support is helping us continue to provide opportunities for rugby players throughout the club.

Get Behind the Pigs!

Whether you're travelling to Blandford, supporting the Barbarians at Church Lane or making the journey to Southampton, your support makes a difference.

One Club. One Family. Together We Stand. 🖤🤍