The 2025/26 season began with a sense of tradition as Tunbridge Wells ran out in their iconic quartered shirts for the first time since 2005, travelling away to face Old Alleynians on opening day.
Tunbridge Wells began the new season with an exciting blend of returning talent and fresh faces. Local boys Ben Isbell and George Montgomery, both products of the Wells academy and back from National 2 rugby, have rejoined the squad. They’re joined by five new signings who add real depth and variety to the side:

• Brady Robertson, arriving from New Zealand where he competed in the NPC Championship.
• Rylie Lewis, an Australian who’s been applying his trade in Dorset for the past few seasons.
• Oli Billin, joining us from Reading University and East Grinstead.
• Daniel Tomanek, bringing international pedigree from the Polish national team and experience “north of the border.”
• Tom Lane, an ex-Skinners’ boy joining from Birmingham University.

With so many arrivals, new combinations are being forged on the pitch, giving this group a fresh energy.
Off the field, the club has also seen big changes. Chaz Spence and Mike Hathaway have stepped up as joint Head Coaches, while Fred Pierrepoint joins from Worthing to take on the role of Director of Rugby. The new coaching structure has already made a positive impact, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign.
It was the hosts who opened the scoring when a misfired Wells lineout on halfway saw OA’s move the ball quickly to the blindside, their winger gathering and offloading inside for the first try of the season. The conversion drifted wide, leaving it 5–0.
OA’s extended their lead after three missed tackles allowed their full-back to slice through under the posts, with the extras added and a penalty soon after stretching it to 12–0.
Wells responded well. Sustained pressure and a stolen lineout close to the line saw Rory crash over in the corner, George adding the conversion to bring it back to 12–7.
The home side struck again out wide to lead 19–7, but Wells finished the half strongly as Whale powered over from close range, George’s second conversion narrowing the gap to 19–14 at half-time.
The second half was equally competitive. OA’s scored early to lead 24–14 before Brady Robertson, who was outstanding all afternoon, stormed over to make it 24–19. A fourth try for the hosts stretched it to 29–19 before Tom crossed late in the corner to bring Wells within five at 29–24. Despite heavy late pressure, OA’s held on for the win.
Chapel Down Man of the Match: Brady Robertson – immense both in attack and defence.

While the 1XV were battling away, the 2XV produced a dominant display at St Mark’s to open their season in style.
Josh Baxter opened the scoring after some slick handling, before Carwyn Williams powered through the defence for the second try. Scully finished off a brilliant counter-attack to extend the lead, with Josh grabbing his second soon after.
The moment of the game came when Greg ran in a sensational solo try from his own 22, bringing the home crowd to its feet. Scully then completed his hat-trick as Wells crossed the 50-point mark before Dartford Valley grabbed two late consolation scores.
It was a commanding performance from the 2s winning 50-14, showing flair in attack and solid defence throughout, setting the tone for the season ahead.