Fixtures have been confirmed for the National Premier League, National Division One and the National Conferences following a restructuring of the men’s open age competition launching in 2026.
The new vibrant competition, which for the first time introduces a pyramid structure with automatic promotion and relegation, aims to reignite men’s open age. A revitalised calendar, cross-conference play-off system, and new National and Regional Cups promise drama throughout the season with many old rivalries renewed.
A greater focus on reducing the overall travel and financial burden on clubs has resulted in some pulsating fixtures on the opening weekend, a theme set to continue throughout the season. Derby games feature across all leagues when the campaign for most clubs gets underway on March 7.
In the National Premier League, the top two teams from last season meet up again, with Siddal taking on West Bowling. It will be interesting to see if the Bradford-based team can maintain last season's form or whether Siddal, coached by Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor, will lift the NCL 40th Anniversary trophy after being beaten Grand Finalists in the last two seasons.
National Division One sees a clash of two founder members of the NCL, which began 40 years ago: Leigh Miners Rangers host Pilkington Recs. These teams were two divisions apart last season. The team from Twist Lane will be favourites to gain National Premier League status when the 2026 season concludes, while Pilks will be looking to consolidate their position after earning promotion through the Play-Off system.
The Cumbria Conference also features a season opener between last season's top two CARLA teams. Only a better points difference of 37 separated Maryport from Seaton Rangers last time, though the Rangers claimed victory in the Grand Final. Mark Foster will again coach Maryport, aiming to make an early statement in the season opener.
The North-West section mainly pits teams from last season's North-West Men’s League against those from the NCL. The standout fixture is surely Ince Rose Bridge versus Orrell St James, the winners of the 2025 BARLA National Cup, who won their semi-final and final without conceding a point.
Yorkshire boasts two National Conferences of equal standing. Yorkshire A sees the NCL Division 3 Champions Keighley Albion meet the Yorkshire Men’s League Premier Division winners King Cross Park in a mouth-watering start to the season. It will be interesting to see how two teams now back in the top tier shape up with Bradford Dudley Hill against Drighlington and Stanley Rangers meeting Thornhill Trojans.
Normanton Knights will be one of the favourites to be in contention for promotion from Yorkshire B, starting against Milford, who aim to improve on last season. In Hull two teams meet, Hull Dockers and Skirlaugh, who, like Milford, will look to start trending upwards and get winning points on the board early in what will be a fiercely contested local derby.
The Southern Conference starts in April with Bristol All Golds travelling to last season's league winners West Warriors, and Grand Final winners, Hammersmith Hills Hoists, hosting their close rivals, London Chargers.
No trophies to be lifted on the opening day, but plenty of local bragging rights to be won and some noisy neighbours guaranteed following the first round of fixtures, which are guaranteed to be played in front of some massive crowds.
For the full fixture list please visit the Rugby League Match Centre here.