Explore every episode of the podcast Clifton Rugby - Life in Lavender And Black

Brooke and Chase kick off the National League One season with a sharp recap of Round 1, spotlighting Clifton’s first outing at the new level against Blackheath (17–34) — what worked, what didn’t, and the biggest lessons for Station Road. We tip the cap to this year’s league newcomers (Clifton, Leeds, Tonbridge), pick our “Matches to Watch” for Round 2, and drop a quick Rugby 101 on lineout calls (yes, the dancing means something!). Plus: a wonderfully daft fan mail from “MooseFeet in Alaska,” and a few silly questions to keep spirits high in lavender and black. Subscribe, share, and send your own questions — the dafter the name and location, the better.

Season 2 begins! Brooke and Chase return to Life in Lavender and Black as Clifton Rugby step up into National League One. From new signings and farewells to a heartfelt tribute to John Raine, plus a historic opening clash with Blackheath and a fan question all the way from Alaska — it’s a fresh season full of pride, passion, and plenty of laughs.

After an amazing season, Clifton Rugby are crowned champions of National League 2 West and are promoted to National League 1. Brooke & Chase review the final match and look ahead to next season.

With one match to go, Chase & Brooke review the Bournville away win and look forward the final fixture. Could this be the one game to change it all?

The Wanderers are promoted, the Misfits fight to the end.

With just two games left, Clifton 1st XV sit top of National League 2 West — but Camborne are still chasing. In this episode, we break down the penultimate weekend’s fixtures, what’s at stake, and how the title could be won or lost. We also read a special fan letter and look ahead to Clifton’s trip to Bournville. Two to go. Everything to play for.

In this special episode, we relive Clifton 1st XV’s crucial win at Hornets, dig into the results that shook up National League 2 West, and look ahead to the season-defining clash with Camborne. Plus, we share a moving letter from Diego — a teenage fan in Paraguay whose love for rugby in lavender and black is changing his life. This is more than rugby. This is Clifton.

It’s all kicking off in National League 2 West! Clifton ran riot with a 60-36 demolition of Loughborough Students, but the big news? Camborne finally slipped up! Could the title race be back on?

We break down:
✅ Clifton’s dominant performance
✅ Luctonians’ shock win over Camborne
✅ Wanderers’ gritty win in their title chase
✅ Fan Question of the Week

It’s all here – big hits, big tries, and bigger laughs. Subscribe now! 💜🖤🏉

In this week’s Life in Lavender & Black, we dive into Clifton’s commanding 26-7 victory over Taunton Titans, breaking down their defensive brilliance, dominant set-piece, and how they’re keeping the heat on Camborne at the top of National 2 West.

We also cover:
🏉 Wanderers’ comeback heroics – A second-half blitz sees them overturn a deficit to beat Cinderford 36-22.
🏉 Misfits' battle against the odds – Playing with 14 (and even 13 at times), they still secured a try bonus point in a gutsy 26-61 loss to Whitehall.
🏉 League standings & title race analysis – Can Clifton still snatch the top spot?
🏉 Fan Questions! – Cooter “The Boot” Johnson from Whiskey Springs, Kentucky, asks whether sin-binned forwards discuss scrummaging techniques or just stare at each other like angry bulls!

Plus, a preview of next week’s fixtures, including Clifton’s huge clash with Loughborough Students. Can they keep their title charge alive?

Tune in for all the latest Clifton Rugby news, results, and banter! 🏉💜🖤

The 1s and 2s maintain their chase for league leadership, while the 3s battle hard and score tries.

Clifton travelled by train to the North West for a first ever visit to Macclesfield.

The first team earn 5 league points with a hard fought win over battling Devonport Services, the Wanderers were awarded a Walk Over against Taunton.

Pushes for league leadership and fights for survival: the three mens teams from Clifton had an amazing weekend of rugby.

Clifton Rugby secured their 11th consecutive win with a dramatic 42–37 victory over Hinckley, sealed by Luke Daniels’ last-minute try. The result keeps Clifton in second place and sets up a crucial clash with league leaders Camborne.

All Clifton senior men's teams in action as the season heats up.

The National League 2 West campaign is building as the 1st XV secure second place ahead of next weekend's visit to third place Cinderford.

Wanderers stake a clim as league champion contenders against Nailsea & Backwell, while the Misfits visit Old Bristolians and show their grit.

Only one match was playable on Saturday 4th January 2025; the Wanderers visit to Cleve was postponed due to a frozen surface. The Misfits hosted Broad Plain in an exciting match to start the New Year.

All three Clifton seniors teams in action over the weekend of 21st December - two of them finishing the year in second place in their leagues!

Pus a fan question from Cletus in Alabama about the shape of balls.

Three Clifton senior teams in action delivered 3 good performances. Wins for the 1s and 2s, and further progress for the 3s. This is the midpoint of the season with just one match left before the Christmas break.

Storm Darragh meant that the 1st and 2nd XV matches were postponed, but the ever-determined MisFits notched up a bonus point win, their first victory this season.

Ever wondered why Rugby is a Winter sport?

Reports for the matches played on Saturday 30th November and some thoughts looking forward to the upcoming December fixtures.

No 1st XV match this weekend but the 2s and 3s are in action in meaningful fixtures. Also, a wine tasting evening to savour!

Round 11

In the midst of Storm Bert Clifton made it 6 wins in a row.

Pre-match saw a Q&A with Joe Owen and there's was a minute's applause for recently passed Daryl Hickey.

Clifton's win sets up a 1st v 2nd showdown in 2 weeks in Cornwall.

We're about to hear from one of Clifton's finest – a player who's made his mark on the pitch and probably had a bit of fun along the way. From unforgettable tries (yes, the one against Dings at Christmas 2021!) to playing alongside rugby legends like Ellis Genge and Callum Sheedy, today’s guest has a lot of stories to share.

A deep dive into a weekend of rugby for Bristol's oldest club, as the first XV visited the current BUCS champions, the Wanderers entertained Bridgwater & Albion, and the Misfits hosted Barton HIll.

Round 9, National 2 West 2024/25 season.

Home match played at Station Road.