Rugby returns to Watcombe Bottom tomorrow evening (Friday) as Ventnor Rugby Football Club host the Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes in a pre-season friendly fixture, with kick-off set for 18:45.
Supporters are invited to arrive early, with the bar – run by Bradders and Molly – open from 17:30.
This local clash follows a promising pre-season outing for Ventnor RFC away to Romsey on Saturday (9th August). Despite a 36-12 defeat to a side playing in a higher league, Ventnor delivered a strong performance, particularly in the second half which ended in a 12-12 draw.
The match also marked debuts for Jordan Allen and Noah McKinney, both of whom made positive contributions. Tries were scored by Max Wheeler and Joe Coghlan in a game that saw Ventnor grow in confidence and cohesion as the minutes ticked on.
Friday’s fixture is the first of a busy home calendar for both the 1st XV and 2nd XV this season.
The confirmed home fixtures for 2025/26 are as follows:
| Date | Fixture | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friday (22nd August) | Ventnor Combined XV v Hurricanes Combined XV | Friendly |
| Saturday (13th September) | Ventnor Combined XV v Lymington | Friendly |
| Saturday (4th October) | Ventnor 1st XV v Aldershot & Fleet | VP Lunch |
| Saturday (11th October) | Ventnor 2nd XV v Fawley 2nd XV | |
| Saturday (18th October) | Ventnor 1st XV v Tottonians 2nd XV | |
| Saturday (8th November) | Ventnor 2nd XV v Christchurch | |
| Saturday (22nd November) | Ventnor 1st XV v Winchester 3rd XV | VP Lunch |
| Saturday (29th November) | Ventnor 1st XV v Alton | |
| Ventnor 2nd XV v Southampton 2nd XV | ||
| Saturday (13th December) | Ventnor 1st XV v Portsmouth 2nd XV | |
| Saturday (10th January) | Ventnor 1st XV v Ellingham & Ringwood 2nd XV | |
| Saturday (17th January) | Ventnor 2nd XV v New Milton 2nd XV | |
| Saturday (24th January) | Ventnor 1st XV v Eastleigh 2nd XV | VP Lunch |
| Saturday (14th February) | Ventnor 2nd XV v Millbrook 3rd XV | |
| Saturday (28th February) | Ventnor 2nd XV v Ellingham & Ringwood 3rd XV | |
| Saturday (7th March) | Ventnor 1st XV v Overton | |
| Saturday (14th March) | Ventnor 2nd XV v Tottonians 3rd XV | |
| Saturday (28th March) | Ventnor 1st XV v Isle of Wight | VP Lunch |
| Sunday (12th April) | Ventnor Combined XV v Midsomer Norton Tour | Friendly |
All home matches will be played at Watcombe Bottom.
