Inside Albion’s Pre-Season Push
It’s a humid evening at Brickfields. The sun casts long shadows across the Eric Johns Stand, and the Princess Yachts logo glints just above where Plymouth Albion forwards coach Aaron Jarvis sits, calmly surveying the pitch. In just a few hours, the squad will return to the turf for a physical night of training. But before the whistle sounds, Jarvis offers a window into the energy, structure, and ambition driving Albion’s 2025/26 pre-season.
“We had testing this year that was a bit like the NFL,” Jarvis begins with a grin. “It’s a fun, competitive way to get the lads back into the swing of things. We’ve mixed in some games and activities too – it’s been a great atmosphere.”
For Jarvis, the first week is all about laying the groundwork. “You want the new and returning players integrated, and the whole squad back in a proper rugby environment,” he says. “And dare I say it – this might be the fittest we’ve ever been coming back from an off-season. The lads returned in shape, which means pre-season isn’t about getting fit… it’s about getting sharp.”
A Group Coming Together
That fitness has been matched by cohesion. Albion’s new signings are already making an impression, not just in performance, but in personality. “The characters fit really well with who we are,” Jarvis says. “Some great signings — and they’re adding something valuable.”
Asked who’s making early waves in the changing room, Jarvis lets out a knowing smile. “I’ve got a lot of time for Jenson. I can’t go into too much detail… but he’s definitely a character – on and off the pitch.”
The Player Perspective
That blend of physical intensity and cultural strength is something Shea Cornish has also noticed.
“Pre-season has been productive,” Cornish said. “The body’s feeling a little sore after getting into the contact side of things – I’m sure we’ll get used to it. But the group is fitting together nicely. We’ve got some great new talent, and everyone’s getting on well and getting things done. I’m feeling confident and ready to get started.”
It’s that clarity – heads down, work done – that’s defined Albion’s summer so far.
Looking Ahead
With the first pre-season fixture looming, the focus has now shifted to sharpening execution. “We’re reviewing what we’ve already covered, making sure we’re on the same page,” Jarvis says. “This week we’ll also touch on some of the details we haven’t hit yet.”
When asked what the perfect pre-season looks like, Jarvis keeps it simple: “Everyone fit and healthy. Everyone prepared. Everyone ready to start the season at full speed.”
That preparation isn’t just coming from the coaches. Earlier in the week, players held a squad-only meeting — a sign of accountability within the group. Jarvis wasn’t in the room. “I’m not allowed in,” he laughs. “But I’ve been part of enough of those over the years. It’s things like fines — being late, wrong gear. It’s part of the culture here. We’ve got a great group, and I’m sure whatever they’re doing, it’s with the right intent.”
Three Tests at Home
Plymouth Albion’s pre-season fixtures begin this Saturday, 16 August, with a home clash against Bridgend Ravens, a Welsh side that finished third in last season’s Super Rygbi Cymru — and who beat Albion in the same fixture a year ago.
“They’re a tough team to play against,” Jarvis adds. “Physical. And when it’s Wales versus England, there’s always a bit more spice.”
Next up, Exeter Chiefs U23s visit on Saturday 23 August, followed by St Austell on Friday night, 29 August — another home fixture and a final opportunity to build momentum before the league campaign kicks off.
Tickets for these games can be found by clicking here.
Time to Show It
As Head Coach Ryan Lamb puts it, the talking is nearly over.
“This off-season’s been productive. There’s been a lot of ambition — which is great, but now it’s time to put that to the test,” Lamb said. “We’ll never truly know where we’re at until we’re out there, face-to-face with teams that want nothing more than to prove us wrong.”
Albion open their league season away to newly promoted Leeds on Saturday 6 September, followed by their first home league fixture against Clifton on Saturday 13 September, another side fresh to the division.
Season tickets remain on sale, with individual match tickets available soon.
With a strong group, a clear plan, and three home games to sharpen the edges, Plymouth Albion head into the new season ready to turn promise into performance.
