The 2025/26 rugby season gets underway this evening at Balreask Old, with all three of Navan RFC’s senior men’s sides in action over the coming days. Excitement is building both on and off the pitch as the club begins a new campaign under the guidance of Head Coach Ryan “Robbo” Roberts.
🔵 Thursday 21st August
North-East McGowan (J1) Cup – Group 1
Navan Men’s J1/2nd XV vs Boyne
📍 Balreask Old
⏰ Kick-Off 8:00pm
Navan Men’s J1/2nd XV vs Boyne
📍 Balreask Old
⏰ Kick-Off 8:00pm
It’s a local derby to open the season as the J1/2nd XV take on our downriver neighbours Boyne in the McGowan Cup.
- Shane O’Connor captains the side from the front row, bringing power at scrum time and a clever set of hands in open play.
- Fionn Craik, still with the U20s, makes his adult rugby debut at hooker. Known for his fearless tackling and pace around the pitch, he’s a young prospect to watch.
- Mark Russell will steer the ship at flyhalf, showing the sharp game management he has developed through preseason.
- At fullback, Graham Brennan provides a vocal presence at the back and a dangerous counter-attacking threat.
Expect a physical, high-energy contest under the lights at Balreask Old.
🔵 Friday 22nd August
Jenkinson Cup
Navan Men’s 3rd XV vs North Meath
📍 Balreask Old
⏰ Kick-Off 8:00pm
Navan Men’s 3rd XV vs North Meath
📍 Balreask Old
⏰ Kick-Off 8:00pm
The 3rds open their season with another local rivalry clash when they face North Meath RFC at home. Always fiercely contested, this promises to be a great Friday night fixture under the Balreask Old lights.
🔵 Saturday 23rd August
Leinster Senior League – Section B
Navan Men’s 1st XV vs Dublin University (Trinity)
📍 Balreask Old
⏰ Kick-Off 3:00pm
Navan Men’s 1st XV vs Dublin University (Trinity)
📍 Balreask Old
⏰ Kick-Off 3:00pm
The Senior Men’s 1st XV launch their Leinster Senior League campaign with a home test against a strong Dublin University (Trinity) side.
- Conor “Bear” Hand will captain the team from number 8, bringing trademark physicality and relentless work rate.
- In the second row, Karolis “Karlos” Navickas, who has professional experience in France, South Africa, England, and with his homeland Lithuania, brings leadership and know-how to the squad.
- Noah Kavanagh starts at scrum-half after a strong preseason, promising sharp service and attacking threat around the rucks.
- On the wing, Mark Coen will look to showcase his pace and high work rate after a dedicated offseason of preparation.
Coach Robbo has praised the squad’s hard work in preseason and is eager to see them translate that effort into performances on the pitch.
🟢 Come Down & Support the Teams
It’s a huge week of rugby at Balreask Old with all three men’s teams in action. We’d encourage all members, supporters, and families to come down to the clubhouse and get behind the squads as they begin their 2025/26 campaigns.
📣 Your support makes the difference – let’s fill the clubhouse terrace and cheer the teams on!
With Thanks to Club Sponsor Hannon Travel
