RUGBY: Travel time reduced for Barnstaple in rugby restructure

The M5 will be a popular route for Barnstaple Rugby Club players and supporters this season after it was confirmed they will be competing in National League 2 West.

The restructuring of regional rugby means Barnstaple will no longer have to face the arduous trips to the south-east, instead travelling up and down the west side of the country.

Familiar faces from last season include Clifton, Redruth, Dings Crusaders, Leicester Lions and Hinckley. Promoted from the South-West Premier Division Exeter University, Hornets and Old Redcliffians.

Barum will also face five new teams: Bournville, Loughborough Students, Luctonians, Newport (Salop) and Stourbridge.

The campaign begins with a visit from Exeter University on Saturday, September 3, and Barum will embark on the 2022/23 season with a new head coach following the departure of Bryn Jenkins, who has taken the decision to step back from rugby and spend more time with his young family.