There are less than four weeks until the 2026/27 season kicks off on Saturday 12th September. There is plenty for our three senior sides to look forward to as we move into the new season.

Men's 1st XV

Another season awaits in Regional 2 Thames, with the last season's 8th place finish a solid foundation to build on for our young side. At times through the campaign, Harps proved they could mix it with the sides at the upper end of the table. A double over third placed Old Priorians and single score defeats to champions Brunel University and runners up Beaconsfield. However, the season didn't generate quite enough momentum at crucial moments to push into the play off positions.

The upcoming season will come with new challenges, with the league having a distinct West London and Buckinghamshire flavour. H.A.C join league following a level transfer and 2nd place finish in Regional 2 Anglia, Amersham & Chiltern drop down from Regional 1 South East and Ealing Trailfinders 1871 will no doubt provide tough opposition following promotion from Counties 1 Middlesex.

There are likely to be a few new faces on show alongside the old stagers during the preseason friendlies vs Westcliff (21st August 8pm) and Cheshunt (29th August 3pm) before the season kicks off in earnest at home to Teddington on 12th September.

Men's 2nd XV

The 2s took to their first season in the Herts senior leagues like a duck to water. A win over Cuffley on the final day of the season secured a 3rd place finish and promotion alongside Hitchin II and Old Grammarians. Counties 2 will pose an even bigger test with some mouth watering local derbies.

St Albans, Verulamians and Luton 1st XVs all lie in wait alongside some strong 2nd XVs, which will ensure that every game will demand a huge amount from the squad. Verulamians lie in wait for the first game on 12th September.

Women

Following promotion to NC 1 East in 2025, last season was a challenging one for our Women's team. An increase in standards of the oppositin and a significant increase in the required travel was met head on and three consecutive wins in March over Wymondham, West Norfolk and Ipswich guaranteed survival.

The reward in the new season, is a league of 10 sides rather than 8 and the bonus of a few less hours on the minibus with fellow Herts sides Bishop's Stortford, Cheshunt, Hitchin and Welwyn all taking a place in the league. However, it is a trip to Cambridgeshire for the first game to take on Peterborough on 20th September following a preseason friendly vs Fullerians on 23rd August and a cup game vs Buckingham Swans II on 13th September.

Both our men's and women's sections welcome new players of all abilities, if you would like to join either turn up to training (Men's Tues & Thurs 7.30pm - 9pm. Women's Mon 7-8.30pm & Weds 7.30 - 9pm)

There is also plenty work going on the background to bring back the men's 3rd XV for some occasional fixtures this season. Stay tuned!