Richmond Prepare for Decisive Derby Clash Against London Scottish
Richmond Rugby will host local rivals London Scottish at the Richmond Athletic Ground on Saturday 16th May in a season-defining Eloir Champ relegation playoff clash, with both sides fighting to secure their place in next season’s Champ campaign.
The latest chapter in one of English rugby’s fiercest local rivalries comes after two fiercely contested encounters earlier this season that underlined just how little separates the two sides. With both clubs calling the Richmond Athletic Ground home, the fixture is as close to a local derby as you can get.
The first meeting, a dramatic New Year’s showdown saw London Scottish edge a thrilling 27–26 victory in front of a packed grandstand. Featuring seven tries, four yellow cards and relentless intensity throughout, the fixture showcased just how evenly matched the two sides remain.
Richmond responded emphatically in the return fixture earlier this month, producing a spirited comeback performance to secure a 24–17 victory away from home. The win earned five crucial league points, secured 12th place, and guaranteed home advantage for the decisive playoff meeting on 16th May.
Historically, there is little to separate the clubs. Across their last 30 meetings, only six points divide the sides overall, with Richmond scoring 515 points to London Scottish’s 509. Remarkably, both teams average exactly 18 points per game across those fixtures.
In a derby of this magnitude, form often counts for little. Every player understands the significance of the occasion – an opportunity not only to defeat local rivals, but to secure Champ rugby for next season.
While neither club envisaged being in this position at the beginning of the campaign, there was always a feeling the season could ultimately come down to a playoff between the two historic neighbours.
Competing with a predominantly part-time squad training twice a week against fully professional opposition, Richmond’s performances throughout the season have highlighted the determination and commitment within the group.
London Scottish, meanwhile, arrive at the Richmond Athletic Ground with confidence of their own. Although results against the league’s top sides have proved difficult to secure, each of their last four victories this season has come at the RAG.
The Playoff Picture
The stakes could not be higher. The winner on 16 May will secure their place in next season’s Champ campaign.
Following Blackheath’s 22–10 victory over Plymouth Albion in the National League 1 promotion playoff, the losing side on Saturday will face Blackheath in a final playoff fixture to determine the remaining place in next season’s Champ.
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