Horsham Lions have returned to Sussex Rugby for the 26/27 season having spent numerous seasons travelling into and around London. The Lions are an integral part of the club and with a very strong second team, the assurance of a competitive 1st XV is gained. This is most clearly illustrated by the fact that no less that 15 regular Lions XV players stepped up to play for the 1st XV in in both the league campaign at Regional 2 and in the final play off matches on our run in to season's end in 2025/26. This has been a central theme for the club where youngsters are given their chance to impress allowing for a real sense of achievement across the squad. With a truly supportive squad culture, the 1s and 2s train, play and socialise together leading to a real sense of identity. Indeed with an average of 40 players representing the 1st team across a season, it shows just how important the second XV is to the club. Our recent efforts of building depth in the senior squad are starting to pay off with a number of exciting players looking set to push hard for starting spots in 2026/27, and with the majority of these home grown, it is a real testament to the clubs M&J section that these players are coming through to challenge at the higher levels play.

It promises to be an exciting year for the squad. In addition, our Lions will look to regain the Bob Rogers Cup and in doing so, look to return this to its rightful place. The target, will be to contest the league against tough teams like East Grinstead, Brighton 2s and others.

Club Stalwart Nick Bell who has started his coaching journey will be charged to ensure that the Lions get exactly the same experience on a Saturday that the 1st XV get and ensure that the playing aims and structures are met each week. Glen Jones remains as the Rugby Operations Manager, and we continue to recruit staff to support the off field management. Players who have missed out on 1st XV selection will undoubtedly be disappointed, but with Horsham Lions they will still get the development opportunity and more importantly the enjoyment from playing for a club that focuses on the whole squad rather than the 1st XV alone. The Lions have been instrumental in the recent performances of the club at 1st XV level and this continued optimism will be taken in the challenges ahead.