Rotherham Titans go into Saturday’s final regular game of the season against Sale FC hoping it will be their last, when they kick-off at the later time of 3pm at Clifton Lane.
Everything is pointing toward a decisive, high-stakes afternoon in South Yorkshire, but it would be a mistake to assume this is a foregone conclusion. Rotherham may be on the brink of the title, yet Sale will arrive with both the form and the mindset to turn a coronation into a contest.
Top-of-the-table Titans host the North West outfit in what promises to be one of the defining fixtures of the National League 1 season and with silverware within touching distance, the stage could hardly be more perfectly set.
Rotherham come into the match on the back of a breathtaking display at Park Lane, where they dismantled Sedgley Park 68-7. That performance was as clinical as it was emphatic, with the Titans running in ten tries in a statement victory. Their attacking display was sharp, their support lines intelligent, and their finishing ruthless — hallmarks of a side that has spent the season building toward this very moment.
Just as significant as the result itself was the travelling support that followed the Titans to the Greater Manchester area. A large and vocal contingent made the journey, and with a title potentially on the line this weekend, Clifton Lane is expected to be rocking once again. The connection between team and supporters has been a defining feature of Rotherham’s campaign, and that energy could prove crucial in a match of such magnitude.
The equation is simple: win, and Rotherham are champions. Victory on Saturday would seal the National 1 title and confirm promotion to The Champ for next season. It would mark a remarkable rise for the South Yorkshire club, representing their second promotion in just three years following their National 2 North triumph in the 2023/24 campaign.
Yet, if there is one side capable of disrupting the script, it is Sale FC. The visitors arrive in confident mood after an impressive victory over Plymouth Albion, a result that underlined their ability to compete with — and beat — the division’s top sides. Sale have built a reputation as one of the most resilient teams in the league, combining physical forward play with an ability to strike decisively when opportunities arise.
Heywood Road has long been a fortress, but Sale’s strength is not confined to home soil. Their performances on the road this season have demonstrated a level of composure and discipline that makes them particularly dangerous in high-pressure fixtures. They are unlikely to be overawed by the occasion, and in fact may relish the opportunity to play spoiler.
Rotherham will also be acutely aware of the wider context. Lurking just behind them are Blackheath, ready to capitalise on any slip-up. Should the Titans falter, Blackheath could snatch the title at the death, leaving Rotherham to settle for a play-off route.
History also suggests this will be anything but straightforward. The reverse fixture on the opening day of the season offered a glimpse of how finely balanced these sides are. On that occasion, Rotherham surged into a commanding first-half lead, only for Sale to mount a ferocious second-half comeback that ultimately fell just short. It was a match that showcased both Rotherham’s attacking potency and Sale’s refusal to yield — qualities that are likely to be on display once again.
Encounters between these clubs have developed a reputation for intensity and competitiveness. Across their seven previous meetings, Rotherham hold a narrow 4-3 advantage, a statistic that reinforces just how evenly matched they have been. Margins are typically small, momentum swings frequent, and outcomes often decided in the closing stages.
From a tactical perspective, much may hinge on the battle up front. Rotherham’s pack has been dominant throughout the season, providing the platform for their expansive backline to flourish. If they can establish control at the set piece and breakdown, they will be well placed to dictate the tempo.
Discipline will also be critical. In a game where emotions will run high and stakes are enormous, the ability to stay composed under pressure could be the difference. Rotherham’s recent performances suggest a team peaking at exactly the right time, but Sale’s experience in grinding out results means they cannot be underestimated for a moment.
Ultimately, this is what sport is all about: a season distilled into a single, defining contest. For Rotherham, the prize is clear — a title, promotion, and the culmination of a season’s hard graft.
Expect a bumper crowd, a charged atmosphere, and a match that lives up to its billing. Whether it ends in celebration or suspense, Clifton Lane is set to host an afternoon that will resonate far beyond the final whistle.
Going into the game, Rotherham have made two changes to the starting XV that beat Sedgley.
In the front row hooker Morgan Veness comes in for Luke Cole and he will be flanked by Alastair Donkor at loosehead prop with Andrew Foster at tighthead.
In second row Curran Maguire will link up again with Harry Gilson-Fox, whilst in the back row John Okafor is at blindside, with skipper Harry Newborn – making his 100th appearance - on the openside and Callum Bustin comes in for Jack Baldry at number 8.
The backline is unchanged with a half back combination of JB Bruzulier at scrum half and Rob Povey at fly half.
Lloyd Hayes and Mitchell Lacey-Babalola maintain their partnership in midfield; as do the back three with Jackson Barling on the right wing, with James Norman on the left wing, and Isaac Shaw at full back.
Looking back on last week’s game against Sedgley Park and previewing Sale, Titans Harvey Biljon said:
“I think the thing that stands out to me from last week was the number of our supporters that were there and how colourful and how loud they were; that definitely added to the performance from the players.
“We’ve scored 22 tries in our last 2 games and that’s been building through the campaign, we’ve scored lots of tries in other games too and I think that shows we are a team that is capable of getting those big scores.
“I think also it’s more of where the group is at, the confidence they have and how they have remained focused through the back end of the season and you must give them credit for their accuracy and execution.
“We’ll need more of that this week; we knew in the very first game of the season how tough an opposition Sale are. If you look at them, you can see they are a team that have a formidable pack, with some real threats out wide and we’re going to have to be ‘on it’ in all aspects.
“We need to recognise how big a game it is and make sure we take the same composure that we’ve had in the last few games into this game and look to put in a performance and execute our game plan; if we can do that the result will take care of itself.
“It’s a bit of a fairytale to be in this position, but it’s important to recognise how good a team Sale are and what we need to do to go and get it done. The way we do that, is to go back to where we need to be Tuesday, where we need to be Thursday and then put in a performance on Saturday.
“As it is hopefully our last game, overall, you’ve got to think we’ve had a very successful season, the league table doesn’t lie, and the fact is you’ve had to earn the right to be at the top of the table.
“I think from a squad point of view we’ve had a lot of players play throughout the season and the contribution from everyone has been very good, as well as the support we’ve had through the campaign.
“I know we have had our ups and downs, that is what happens in a rugby season, but overall, we’ve seen steady progress, we’ve seen the team grow and develop and evolve and I think that’s why we’re in the position we are.
“The way the Club has accelerated over the last two and a half years has been something else!
“To go from National 2 North to being on the brink of going back into the Championship is a fantastic achievement by everyone involved, but there is still more to come from the Club.
“There are lots of players and coaches that’s been in the game for a long time, and they’ve not won any silverware and the fact that we are in this position and on the verge of winning this competition and go back to the Champ; I think there is a lot to be proud about.
“However, I will caveat that with let’s make sure we perform in front of our supporters at Clifton Lane on Saturday.”
Titans: 15 Isaac Shaw, 14 Jackson Barling, 13 Lloyd Hayes, 12 Mitchell Lacey-Babalola 11 James Norman, 10 Rob Povey, 9 JB Bruzulier, 1 Alastair Donkor, 2 Morgan Veness, 3 Andrew Foster, 4 Curran Maguire, 5 Harry Gilson-Fox, 6 John Okafor, 7 Harry Newborn (Capt.), 8 Callum Bustin.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cole, 17 Calvin Mitchell, 18 Xavier Valentine, 19 Jack Baldry, 20 Sinjin Broad.
NOTE: Cash only on the gate £15 members - £20 non-members - please have the right money. Cards accepted at the bar.
