Full player and staff team picture in stadium stand

The curtain has fallen on the 25/26 Premiership Rugby Academy League campaign, ending another important chapter in the continued development of Yorkshire Rugby Academy and young players from the county.

After achieving a historic sixth-place finish in 24/25, expectations were rightly higher this season. The challenge was not simply to replicate that success, but to build upon it in what has become an increasingly
competitive and physically demanding academy league environment.

This year also marked the first full national format of the Premiership Rugby Academy League — nine rounds bringing together northern and southern conferences. The change created fresh opportunities for all teams involved, but also undeniable challenges. Increased travel, longer away days, and competing against southern sides with access to deeper player pools reinforced the reality of the north–south divide within rugby. Every week presented a genuine national-level test for all teams involved.

A Challenging Start at Home

Yorkshire opened the season with two home fixtures in August, beginning against Gloucester at Yarnbury RFC before hosting Saracens at Bishop Burton College.

Despite strong preparation over the summer and the advantage of playing in Yorkshire, the campaign began with back-to-back defeats.

Against Gloucester, we made life difficult for ourselves early, conceding 21 unanswered points in the opening 25 minutes. At this level, those margins are hard to claw back. To the group’s credit, they regrouped, showed resilience and secured a league losing bonus point by scoring 4 tries — but the lesson was clear: accuracy from minute one is non-negotiable.

The Saracens fixture brought a significant improvement in our physicality and game control. In what was a special occasion fixture for the Saracen’s boys, saying farewell to Jack Pattinson, their Head Coach, the squad produced a complete performance in terms of physicality, intent and effort.

players ready to scrum — Those opening rounds exposed areas for growth for the Yorkshire squad— game management, sustaining physicality across 70 minutes, and composure in key moments. Importantly, we reinforced the standards required week in, week out in the Premiership Rugby Academy League.

Development Remains the Priority

While results do matter, academy rugby is fundamentally about the progression and development of young players, helping provide a route to hopefully Premiership and International rugby union careers.

The one-off fixture against Leicester Tigers during the school block highlighted this balance perfectly. Played in heavy, boggy conditions, it was a tight contest where free-flowing rugby was limited. We created opportunities and arguably left points out on the field — but the experience of managing a game in difficult conditions, during a time where players have been focusing on settled back to school, was invaluable for player growth and development.

Injuries to key players, including Morgan Crew and Charlie Vaughan, tested the depth and resilience of the squad across the campaign. However, both have excelled throughout their rehabilitation programmes, attacking their recovery with the same professionalism and determination they show on the field. Their commitment behind the scenes has been outstanding, and we look forward to seeing them back playing.

Selection ahead of the intense January and February Academy League block required tough squad decisions. Standards were raised, expectations were clarified, and players were challenged to meet the physical and mental demands of national-level academy rugby.

January & February: An Intense Game Block

After a valuable overnight camp at Queen Ethelburga’s on the 2nd January — an important opportunity for team connection and reset following the Christmas break — attention turned to a demanding run of fixtures. This ‘bye’ week at the start of the block proved challenging. While it provided valuable recovery and preparation time, it did contribute to a slower start, and at times it felt as though we were beginning the block slightly on the back foot compared to other teams who had already played and found their rhythm. Another learning curve for the academy and its players.

A strong opening 20 minutes saw us defend aggressively and lead on the scoreboard. However, momentum swings exposed the need for sustained belief. The key learning: stay in the fight longer and maintain standards regardless of scoreboard pressure.
Facing the eventual league champions was a reminder of the value of accuracy. Field position and simple decision-making errors proved costly. The takeaway was clear — respect the ball and always accurately execute the plan.
One of our strongest first-half performances of the campaign saw us execute effectively and play with clarity. Defensive lapses later in the match highlighted the need for consistency across the full 70 minutes.
Our most complete performance of the season. Accurate, composed and physically competitive, the squad earned its first win of the campaign. Belief was evident throughout — a performance that ensured we were on our way to becoming ‘Kings of the North’
Confidence carried forward into a competitive derby fixture. While elements were loose, attacking cohesion improved and some of the season’s best tries were scored. Another win in the north meaning we became true, ‘Kings of the North.’

Finals Day

Across the block, discipline remained an area for improvement. In this last and final fixture against Divisional Selected XV, we gave away 15 penalties and received three yellow cards underlined how fine the margins are at this level. The season ended on a high, with the squad showing real growth, resilience, and moments of outstanding rugby. While there were plenty of lessons learned along the way, each takeaway will serve to make the players and the program stronger as we look ahead to 26/27.

Responding to the Challenge

Credit must go to the squad and coaching staff for the way they responded. Rather than allowing early setbacks to define the season, the group used them as fuel for improvement, always striving to leave better.

Across the remainder of the campaign, there were clear signs of development:

Training was adapted ahead of the January/February block to better reflect the demands of national competition, a very physically demanding competition. Collision work, contact conditioning and defensive intensity were raised — and performances reflected that shift in the end.
Execution of game plans improved as the season progressed, particularly in fixtures where we controlled territory and tempo for extended periods.
After difficult scoreboard moments earlier in the season, the squad showed stronger emotional control and belief, particularly in northern derby fixtures.
The leadership group evolved during the season, with Alex Fusco stepping in before Christmas following a strong school campaign and helping drive standards week on week and during challenging periods.

Standout Performances & Progress

This season has been defined by identity — physicality, honesty, and resilience.

There were measurable improvements from last season in physicality metrics, squad depth exposure, and individual accountability within the playing group. Leadership became more visible, and belief and team cohesion grew.

Several individuals made significant strides:

Seb Jeffers action shot about to throw ball — **SEB JEFFERS**

Consistently voted in the top 3 players by teammates, often receiving the ‘ultimate Yorkshire Man.’ Relentless energy, physical presence and genuine Yorkshire grit. Seb had a truly great season.

Alex Fusco action shot running with ball — **ALEX FUSCO**

A steady and powerful influence within our leadership group as Captain, driving high standards throughout training, games and any adversity.

Caylen Umaga action shot just after kicking ball — **CAYLEN UMAGA**

The most capped player in Yorkshire academy history (14). Holding a team-first mentality and strong tactical understanding, ensuring game plans are executed.

George Cameron with serious face — **GEORGE CAMERON**

The youngest academy day finalist, demonstrating outstanding long-term potential and talent. Living up to high expectations throughout this campaign. An under 16 player, playing u18’s rugby and not looking out of place, one to watch.

JOSH BEDINGFIELD

Established himself early, being selected as a starting Academy League Squad player within 3 months of being a part of the program. Often leading in our physicality metrics across the opening games. One to watch.

Keiji Ashaolu action shot, running with ball — **KEIJI ASHAOLU**

The academy’s top try scorer. After transitioning to full-back, he earnt back-to-back hat-tricks playing up an age grade — an exciting prospect with lots of potential.

Lewis Jalal smiling at camera — **LEWIS JALAL**

Always bringing impressive aerial threat and excellent ball retention within his clever game playing.

Ben Smith running onto pitch — **BEN SMITH**

A dynamic, ball-carrying prop whose performances have earned him selection to represent England U18 at the Six Nations. Best of luck Ben.

Building Toward 26/27

Each season of academy rugby represents far more than a league table or a final results — it is about progression, preparation, and building the next generation of senior Premiership and International players.

Yorkshire Rugby Academy has continued to strengthen its foundations within the Premiership Academy League Rugby, raising standards both on and off the field.

The 25/26 season added another important layer to that growth. Experience was gained in high-pressure moments, lessons were learned through adversity, and players and staff were challenged to develop technically, physically, and mentally. Those experiences will prove invaluable as the players continue along their rugby journeys, preparing to take their next steps into Prem, BUCS or senior club rugby. The lessons learned this season — both on and off the field — will help shape their development and set them up for success at the next level.

While the campaign may not have delivered every outcome the academy set out to achieve, it provided significant opportunities for development. Resilience was tested, leadership emerged, and the squad demonstrated a clear commitment to improvement.

The program continues to move forward with purpose. Standards are rising year on year, expectations are evolving, and the culture within the academy remains strong, aligned and enjoyable for all involved.

None of this progress happens in isolation. The dedication of players, coaches, support staff, medical team, strength & conditioning coaches, families, and supporters once again underpinned the journey of the academy throughout the 25/26 season. A collective commitment remains central to everything Yorkshire Rugby Academy strives to achieve.

With a stronger foundation in place and valuable experience secured, attention now turns firmly toward 26/27 — ambitious, determined, and ready to take the next step.