The 1st XV will return to Old Bath Road on Saturday, August 15 when they face Clifton following seven weeks of hard pre-season graft.
The Bristol-based visitors proved an excellent addition to National One last term before suffering relegation by the barest of margins.
With just one minute of the season they were set for at least a play-off, only for Birmingham Moseley to snatch a home victory against Bishop’s S|tortford.
This consigned the Lavender & Blacks back to National Two West.
During their spell at Level Three, Clifton pushed Rams all the way before Luke Graham’s late try edged the Berkshire boys to a 19-14 away win.
And Seb Reynolds’ side had to again find a way in a come-from-behind 45-25 success at home in February.
Rams hope to avoid Wizards’ spell
Meanwhile Welsh foes Aberavon have proved a terrific test in the past two years.
An astonishing contest in August 2024 saw Rams trail 7-0, 14-7, 21-14 and 28-21 before converted scores from Ed Hoadley and Harry Stone sealed a 35-28 success.
Yet the roles were reversed last time out as a 19-0 lead – and 24-12 half-time advantage – was blitzed with The Wizards taking the spoils 38-24.
Part Three in Wales on August 22 promises to be another classic occasion.
Trips to London and Oxford
Four days later the Development XV travel to perennial rivals Richmond Vikings (2nd XV) on Wednesday, August 26.
The two sides were regular adversaries for years when competing in the Raging Bull Shield, but the Londoners proved too strong back in February.
They triumphed 40-12 at OBR in a superb away performance.
Finally, there will be a chance for any Under 23 bolters to stake a claim ahead of the start of the National One campaign on Saturday, September 5.
Dave Cox’s outfit, who enjoyed a wonderful first campaign, head to Oxford Harlequins on Thursday, August 27.
The U23s beat Chinnor, Richmond and Cambridge around Christmas before finishing as runners-up at the Abbey 10s tournament at Easter.
A final defeat to Lambs RFC (33-26) took nothing off the shine of a team ready to provide the perfect conduit between junior and senior rugby.
