Game Preview: v Chester Romans
Wed May 27 2026
Yorkshire Academy Rams vs Chester Romans
31 May 2026, 2:00pm
West Leeds RUFC, Leeds
Latest results
- 24 May 2026: Glasgow Tigers 7-45 Yorkshire Academy Rams
- 24 May 2026: Inverclyde Goliaths 24-46 Chester Romans
One To Watch
#35 Robbie Green
Safety Robbie Green has been one of the standout rookies of the Rams' 2026 campaign, earning the Rookie of the Day award in the 45-7 victory over the Glasgow Tigers at Clydebank. Green picked off a pass in the second quarter to snuff out a Tigers drive, showcasing the sort of ball-hawking instinct that has made him a regular in the defensive backfield.
The versatile defender also stepped up on special teams in the same game, converting PATs with a composure that belied his rookie status. His willingness to contribute across multiple phases of the game has been a welcome addition to the squad.
With Chester looking to find some answers on offence after the shutout two weeks ago, Green and the Rams secondary will be looking to make life difficult once again.
One To Watch
Ste Macaulay
Defensive lineman Ste Macaulay was named Chester's Defensive MVP following the first meeting between the two sides on 17 May, putting in a standout individual display despite the 35-0 defeat at Cheshire County Sports Club.
Macaulay made numerous big plays on the day, landing heavy hits on the Rams' quarterback and putting the pocket under regular pressure. The Rams' offensive line will need to account for him early if they are to keep the offence firing on all cylinders.
Last 5 meetings
- 17 May 2026: Chester Romans 0 - 35 RAMS
- 27 April 2025: RAMS 40 - 0 Chester Romans
- 6 April 2025: Chester Romans 0 - 27 RAMS
- 14 July 2024: Chester Romans 0 - 44 RAMS
- 9 June 2024: RAMS 26 - 10 Chester Romans
For all previous meetings, click here.
Summary
The Rams welcome the Chester Romans to West Leeds RUFC for the second meeting of the 2026 season, looking to tighten their grip on second place in the NFC 1 North. Sitting at 3-1, Yorkshire trail the unbeaten Newcastle Vikings and will be eager to maintain the pressure heading into the second half of the campaign.
Yorkshire arrive in fine form after a commanding 45-7 victory over the Glasgow Tigers in Clydebank completed the season sweep of their Scottish opponents. The offence has been in devastating form, racking up 152 points in four games, while the defence has conceded just 30. Three consecutive wins since the narrow defeat at Newcastle suggest the Rams are hitting their stride at just the right time.
The Romans sit fourth in the NFC 1 North at 1-2 and will still be stinging from the 35-0 shutout at Cheshire County Sports Club two weeks ago. Chester have been unable to put a single point past the Rams in four consecutive meetings, and breaking that duck on the road in Leeds will be a considerable challenge. However, last weekend’s convincing 46-24 road victory over the Inverclyde Goliaths offered a timely confidence boost, proving their offence is capable of producing big numbers when it clicks. Ste Macaulay’s disruptive presence on the defensive line offers the Romans their best hope of slowing the Rams’ attack, and if the offence can carry the momentum from Scotland into this fixture, Chester could pose a genuine threat.
With five consecutive victories over the Romans and the home crowd behind them, the stage is set for the Rams to extend their dominance — but a revitalised Chester side, fresh off a 46-point haul in Scotland, will be determined to prove the head-to-head record does not tell the full story.