'Anyone can beat anyone': Rocky Clark previews the 2026/27 Elior Champ Rugby season
Elior Champ Rugby returns this season with more depth, drama and unpredictability than ever, and BLAZE is bringing fans closer to the action with live coverage of nine unmissable fixtures.
Rocky Clark MBE knows better than most what that unpredictability looks like from the inside. A World Cup winner with England in 2014, Clark retired with 137 caps and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2025. We’re delighted that she’s now joining the BLAZE commentary team for the new season.
Ahead of the opening weekend on Saturday 20th September, BLAZE sat down with Rocky to get her take on the storylines, players and fixtures to watch this season.
What is it about Champ Rugby that makes it such an exciting league?
‘I think it's how competitive it is. On any given day, anyone can beat anyone, and there are some really good players and coaches involved.
There's also a brilliant connection between the clubs and their supporters. It feels very genuine, and that makes the league really enjoyable to be around.’
What storylines are you most looking forward to this season?
‘Obviously Worcester are a big one for me. To come back into the Champ and win it in their first season was fantastic, but now they've got to do it all over again with everyone wanting to beat them. On the other hand I'm excited to see what Blackheath and Rotherham bring to the table.
I'm also interested in seeing which young players break through and make a real name for themselves this season.’
How special was Worcester winning the league after everything the club had been through?
‘It was really special.
Worcester has been through some really tough times, so seeing the club come back and win the league in their first season was fantastic.
The supporters deserve a huge amount of credit. They stuck with the club through a really difficult period, so to see them celebrating again was brilliant.’
Which fixture are you most looking forward to?
‘Worcester against Bedford is an obvious one after last season's final.
There's already a bit of history between the two sides, and with Worcester being champions, Bedford will be desperate to get one over them. It should be a really good game.’
Which players should fans keep an eye on this season?
Tommy Herman (Bedford Blues)
‘Tommy Herman is one of the young players I'm really looking forward to watching this season. The Bedford Blues hooker has already shown he can make a big impact, especially with his work rate and ability to get involved around the park. His try-scoring record is also impressive for a forward, and I think he could continue to develop into one of the Champ's standout young forwards.’
Will Ramply (Nottingham Rugby)
‘Will Ramply is another young player who could really make his mark this season with Nottingham. At just 22, he already has the physical presence of a top-level lock, standing at 6ft 7in. He impressed during his time with Nottingham last season, and with more experience under his belt, I think this could be the year he really breaks through and becomes a player people start taking notice of.’
Alex Garrett (Coventry Rugby)
‘Alex Garrett is a player I'd definitely keep an eye on at Coventry Rugby. He's an exciting young winger with a great combination of size, pace and attacking ability, and he has already shown that he can cause problems for defences. I think he has the potential to have a really strong season and establish himself as one of the Champ's exciting young backs.’
What's your bold prediction for the season?
‘Chinnor will make the top 4.’
What advice would you give to a young player wanting to reach the top?
‘Enjoy it and work hard. You can't control everything that happens in your career, but you can control your attitude, your preparation and how much you want to improve. And don't forget to enjoy the journey. Rugby goes very quickly.’
What are you hoping to bring to fans through broadcasting?
‘Hopefully, I can bring a combination of insight, energy and entertainment to the fans. Having played the game at the highest level, I've got an understanding of what's happening beneath the surface, and I want to bring those details to life for people watching.
Ultimately, I want people to come away feeling like they've learned something, had a laugh and, most importantly, felt the passion of the game. I want to help tell the story of the match and make rugby exciting for everyone watching.’
With a World Cup winner's eye now trained on the touchline, Rocky's insight promises to be a welcome addition to BLAZE's coverage this season. Whether Worcester can go back-to-back, Chinnor can crash the top four, or one of her tipped young stars can enjoy a breakout season, it all starts on 20th September.
Catch Elior Champ Rugby live on BLAZE, free on Freeview 64, Sky 156, Sky Glass / Sky Stream 169, Freesat 161 and Virgin 174, or stream via the free BLAZE app. Live coverage begins Sunday 20th September as Cornish Pirates host Doncaster Knights.