Boxing Day bonanza of rugby across the North Devon clubs

Boxing Day is always a traditional celebration of rugby in North Devon and the 2025 version is set to be one of the best.

Bideford Rugby Club will be hosting a fantastic day of fun, including a juniors’ match at 1pm and the Exiles v Patriots main event from 2.30pm. The club has scheduled in a full day of events, including live music, a raffle and charity auction, and a whole lot more.

The day has even been given some celebrity endorsement, with former rugby internationals Richard Hill and Mick Skinner joining Olympian Iwan Thomas MBE in providing a plug. The Chiefs rounded off their 2025 league schedule with a 29-36 defeat at home to Exeter Saracens.

Pottington Road will also be a hive of activity on Boxing Day and the Barnstaple Chiefs enter the Christmas break with spirits high after an entertaining 34-22 victory over Exeter University. Among the Barum scorers were Brendan Darley, Bertie Stretch, Brandon Moore and Henry Sellick. Barnstaple Athletic were edged out 27-30 at home to Wiveliscombe.

The Christmas festivities at Barnstaple RFC will include the Boxing Day charity match between a North Devon Hospice XV and the Everything Ellie XV, which kicks-off at 2pm. The Colts will be in action from midday and live music is booked for the evening.

A sea of legends will take to the field at Ilfracombe Rugby Club, as the current first-team take on heroes from the past. The main match starts at 1pm and another fabulous Boxing Day of events are planned.

Torrington completed their 2025 fixtures with a thrilling 43-37 victory over Bideford Quins. Ben Sawyer dotted down twice for Torrington, with Will Brown, Nick Evans, Dan MacDonald-Bale and Keelan Neilson also crossing the whitewash. Torrington Rugby Club will also be hosting fun events on Boxing Day.

The South Molton All Blacks completed their year with a brutal 62-0 demolition of Tavistock. Reid Allen notched a hat-trick, Albert Buckley bagged a brace and there were further tries from Luke Sanders, Harry Pickard, Jake Knapman, Reece Eury and Rich Morgan. Tommy Heard added the extras.