Game Preview: v Leicester Panthers

Wed Aug 05 2026

Yorkshire Rams vs Leicester Panthers

9 August 2026, 12:00pm

Leicester Forest RUFC, Leicester

The Rams and Steelers lock horns at the line of scrimmage in the Playoff Wildcard Round

Latest results:

One To Watch

#21 Nathaniel Wyse

#21 Nathaniel Wyse

Running back Nathaniel Wyse has been a key part of the Rams' ground attack throughout the 2026 season since returning to the team from the [Scunthorpe Alphas](/team/scunthorpe-alphas), providing a powerful complement to Elliot Jackson in the backfield. In the Playoff Wildcard Round against the Black Country Steelers, Wyse appeared to have broken a 20-yard touchdown run before a block-in-the-back penalty chalked it off, and he continued to wear down the Steelers' defensive line with hard carries through the second half.

Earlier in the campaign, Wyse punched in the Rams' only touchdown in the 27-7 defeat at Newcastle, finishing a drive that showcased his ability to convert in the red zone. His consistent yardage on inside runs has been instrumental in moving the chains and keeping defences honest against the play-action passing game.

With the Rams expected to lean heavily on the ground game at Leicester Forest RUFC, Wyse's physicality between the tackles will be vital in controlling the clock and keeping the Panthers' offence on the sideline.

Previous meetings:

The two sides have met just three times in competitive fixtures, and the only completed game was the 2017 Playoff Quarter Final in which the then-Falcons ran out comfortable winners. A scheduled 2020 meeting was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the full head-to-head history, click here.

Summary

The Rams make the trip south to Leicester Forest RUFC for the NFC Division 1 Playoff Semi-Final, with a place in the NFC 1 final on the line. It is the biggest game of the 2026 season and the third time in three years that the team have got to this round of the playoffs.

Yorkshire head into the semi-final in impressive form after dismantling the Black Country Steelers 31-3 in the Wildcard Round. The defence conceded no offensive touchdowns for the sixth time this season, and the offence found its groove in the second half through a punishing ground attack. Dan Haywood’s composure at quarterback in the absence of Michael Rojas, combined with Elliot Jackson’s three-score masterclass, will give the coaching staff plenty of confidence heading into a step up in opposition quality.

The Leicester Panthers — formerly known as the Leicester Falcons until reverting to their original name in 2024 — earned a bye straight to the semi-finals after finishing as NFC 1 Midlands champions. The home advantage and the extra week’s rest will count in their favour, and the Panthers’ winning pedigree at this level is well established. The Rams have never beaten Leicester in a completed competitive fixture, and overcoming that record on the road in the post-season will be a considerable challenge.

The stage is set for the Rams’ biggest test of the campaign. Nine months of preparation, eight regular-season games and a dominant wildcard display have all been building towards this — now the question is whether Yorkshire can rise to the occasion and book their place in the NFC 1 final.