TAMAR Saracens say they are looking ahead to the 2025-26 season with ‘optimism and excitement’, despite their relegation from Counties Two Devon.
Sarries avoided finishing in the bottom two, but due to the knock-on impact of promotion and relegation issues in leagues above, three sides have been demoted from Devon’s level eight.
It means after just one season, Sarries, whose captain Joey Pook has announced his retirement, will return to Counties Three Devon South & West where they will join Old Techs, Plymouth Argaum, Plympton Victoria, Plymstock Oaks II, Salcombe, Totnes, Brixham II, Kingsbridge II, Torquay Athletic II and Paignton II.
In a statement Tamar Saracens said: “While the club had every expectation that our performance last season was enough to secure our place in Counties Two, the changes in league structure meant that three clubs were relegated, and unfortunately, we were among them.
“Though this news is disappointing, we are choosing to look ahead with optimism and excitement.
“This restructure brings with it a fresh opportunity to reignite old rivalries, welcome back familiar faces, and take part in fierce local derbies that are sure to bring passionate crowds and thrilling rugby.
“Two firm fan favourites return to the calendar: the infamous Totnes train trip, and of course, the A38 derby — both guaranteed to bring plenty of noise, colour, and Saracens spirit on and off the field.
“The reduced travel commitments mean more time on the training pitch and less on the road, which will only help the team focus and bond further as we look to bounce back stronger than ever.
“As we prepare for this new challenge, Tamar Saracens RFC is actively seeking a new head coach to lead the club into this exciting chapter. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to shape the future of a proud community club with ambition, heart, and an unshakable team spirit.”
Meanwhile, Devon and Cornwall men’s and women’s sides are in County Championship action this weekend.
Devon’s men will be looking to top Division Two Pool 3 when they visit Oxfordshire on Saturday.
They opened their campaign with a 54-14 home win over Gloucestershire at Brixham.
Plymstock Oaks’ Harvey Courtis, who is joining Plymouth Albion for next season, Lewis Paterson and Corey Jamieson keep their starting places for Devon, with Ivybridge’s Will Peakman joining them.
Oaks’ Ollie White and Kieran Jamieson are named on the bench for the match at Whitney Road.
Cornwall visit Hampshire in Division One Pool Two needing a win to avoid finishing bottom of the three-team pool after their loss to Kent last weekend in their opening game.
Former Plymouth Combination players Adam Powell and Rohan Ewels are named as replacements for Cornwall, with former Albion players Matt Shepherd and Tom Cowan-Dickie in their starting line-up.
Cornwall and Devon’s women’s teams will clash at Launceston on Sunday in Division Two Pool Two.
Devon top the league with two wins out of two, while Cornwall are in second place, five points behind.
Ivybridge’s Hannah Lumley, Michael Dorrian, Chloe Huxter, Charleigh Hopkin, Beth Plumpton and Katie Bounsall are in the Devon squad, while their club team-mates Michaela Roberts, Megan Okey and Amy Bunt will start for Cornwall.