The Champ 2025/2026 Preview and Predictions - Part 2

Concluding my look at the freshly invigorated The Champ, the runners and riders. In my own opinion only. Here goes: 

Doncaster Knights - strong finish last season and, has to be remembered, the only side to complete the double over eventual Champions, Ealing. The recruitment of flyer Ryan Olowofela from rivals Nottingham, amongst others, seems to indicate a move away from pension plan signings of recent times. Will be another strong season.  Reason to visit? Cow pie, chips, peas and gravy.  Every time. 

Ealing Trailfinders - repeated their championship win last season.  A threepeat this time? Assiduously and quietly changing their personnel and will be another tough challenge to overcome for their The Champ rivals.  Will be tough to beat and could be another season to treasure for their 1k hardcore support base.  Cannot get to grips with their desire to maintain in a status quo playing competition.   Big fish in a small pond? 

Hartpury - seem to have been slowly re-signing players for the new season. Traditionally difficult to beat at home in Gloucestershire and , occasionally, grab an unexpected away win. Suspect will finish with more wins than losses in the final analysis.  Unlikely to figure in either play-offs at either end of the table. 

London Scottish - the change in the number of loan or DR players could be the most significant barrier to The Exiles having a truly successful season, but it all depends on the measure of that success.  Will probably have Harlequins players again this season to call on due to their collaborations.  However, must be galling to have players that have profited from this tie-up now being picked up by fellow The Champ rivals or ' cherry-picked.' 

Nottingham - you have to say last season were truly the division's entertainers,  despite the full-on hype emanating from rivals elsewhere.  Good to watch, with the ability to run the ball from anywhere.  The loss of some 'star' players to some of their The Champ rivals could have a detrimental effect on The Archers season.  I hope not. A good side on their day.  Depends how many ' their days' there will be. 

Richmond - good to see Richmond back on a higher stage, Champions from a very competitive National One.   Guaranteed to have two good gates with their London Scottish clashes!  Finding it difficult to assess Richmond.  Presume they have a tie-up, or linked, with a Gallagher Premiership side, Harlequins, Sarries?  This could provide them with extra player cover, although they have a very strong playing strength at all levels.  At quiet moments, love counting the Heathrow air traffic! 

Worcester Warriors - ...and it came to pass. After their collapse into administration, thanks to the cowboys, Warriors are now back.  It's been a whirlwind five months for them, getting a team together, a strong team, lots of household names, a few from fellow The Champ sides.  Don't suppose that's gone down very well. However, it's on to playing now, although the outside,  external noise will still be there.  

Coming tomorrow, Paul's Perilous and Possible Predictions