It is a depleted fixture list this weekend on the schoolboy calendar, with a number of sides still on half term, what fixtures there are though are compelling.

The two standout fixtures are Barnard Castle v Sedbergh and St Paul’s v Marlborough.

Barnard Castle and Sedbergh are two of the most respected rugby schools in the country, with a host of internationals between them and more trophies in their cabinets than most school will ever dream of having.

This fixture is always a thriller, and this will be no different. Both sides had rather indifferent results in the first half of term and will be viewing this fixture as a fresh start and a chance to build some momentum to the end of the season.

St Paul’s v Marlborough will be a fascinating fixture; both sides are unbeaten so far this season and have been in quite simply unstoppable form. Marlborough have been receiving praise from all corners, including the September Team of the Month award from us at Fifteen Rugby.

They very nearly made it two in a row, but were just pipped to October’s award by Millfield. St Paul’s meanwhile have received very little mention, but have been quietly going about their business, collecting win after win after win.

Their fixture list has not quite been as tough as some, but even so, their record speaks for itself and this fixture against Marlborough is a chance for St Paul’s to show that this season they are part of the schoolboy elite. It should be a cracker.

Elsewhere, unbeaten Rugby take on an Oakham side that has promised much but not quite yet been able to deliver. How they fare here could go on to define their season and captain Ruaraidh Smith will be motivating his troops as I type.

Oundle face Radley fresh from the news that two of their side have been called up for England duty, Radley though have had a strong October and will be no pushovers as they look to build on that strong month.

In another classic schoolboy fixture, Eton play Harrow, both have had decent seasons so far, with Harrow’s victory over Tonbridge a particular highlight.

It ought to be a close game, though Harrow will feel that with their slightly superior record that they should just edge it.

Malvern v St Edward’s is the final ‘All Fifteen Rugby’ clash, and sees two sides that endured torrid opening halves of the season looking to find a platform. St Edward’s performed marginally better than Malvern, managing to notch up victories against Uppingham and Bloxham, but both will see this as a real opportunity to kick start their season.

The other games to look out for this weekend are:

Uppingham v Trent

King’s School, Canterbury v Brighton College

Blundell’s v The Oratory

It should be a fascinating weekend of schoolboy rugby, if last half term is anything to go by, we have six weeks of high class and entertaining action ahead of us!

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We would love to feature your schools and your players as much as possible but can only do so with your help. Best of luck this weekend.