Schools rugby in 2017 will be truly underway by the end of this midweek stretch as some hugely important gams take place.
Wednesday and Friday are the days to look out for, with huge games on both days. The biggest of the lot is on Wednesday, when the final U18 NatWest Cup quarter final for the season takes place.
Bromsgrove, Felsted, and Warwick are already through, but by Wednesday evening we will know the identity of the side that will join them as Bishop Wordsworth’s host Judd.
Both sides have enjoyed brilliant seasons to date, with some notable victories. Perhaps Judd’s best was a fourth round victory over John Fisher, while Bishop Wordsworth’s have taken some of the best in the business remarkably close, only going down by a point to Clifton College for instance, while their last 16 tie in this competition saw them beat Christ’s Hospital 41-22.
It will undoubtedly be a huge game of rugby, with the prize being a semi final at Allianz Park in March. Wednesday should see fireworks!
Elsewhere on Wednesday there are some other massive games. Millfield are again in Wales as they travel to Whitchurch High School. Millfield are 3 from 3 against Welsh opposition this year, and will be hoping to extend that run.
Skinners’ travel to Campion for what promists to be a good game of rugby, while there is a second Anglo-Welsh game as Christ College host Shrewsbury. Oakwood Park travel to Dover Grammar, while Harris Academy host Wilson’s and Salesian welcome Cobham International School.
John Fisher are in action after their weekend game had to be called off, they host Wallington County Grammar. St Olave’s meanwhile travel to Maidstone Grammar, with Robert Clack welcoming Brentwood.
In another Anglo-Welsh clash, England this time plays host as Coleg Llandrillo make the trip to Queen Ethelburga’s College.
Finally, Wednesday also sees a very exciting looking tour fixture as Australian side Trinity Grammar, from Melbourne, are in action against Reigate Grammar School.
On Friday we see one of the biggest games so far in 2017 as QEGS Wakefield play RGS High Wycombe at Aylesbury RFC’s new 3G pitch. These two sides have a superb record of exciting games against each other, and are among the most prestigious sides in Schools Cup history. While their Cup campaigns may be over this year, expect this game to still be enormously exciting and keenly contested.
If you have any photos, videos, or reports from the week’s school rugby, please do send them in via email (writers@fifteenrugby.com ), Facebook (www.facebook.com/FifteenRugby ), or via Twitter (@FifteenRugbyXV).
Midweek Schools Rugby Fixtures (predictions in bold):
Wednesday
Bishop Wordsworth’s v Judd (NatWest Cup QF)
Campion v Skinners’
Christ College v Shrewsbury
Dover GS v Oakwood Park
Harris Academy v Wilson’s
John Fisher v Wallington CGS
Maidstone GS v St Olave’s GS
Queen Ethelburga’s v Coleg Llandrillo
Reigate GS v Trinity Grammar (Melbourne)
Robert Clack v Brentwood
Salesian v ACS Cobham International
Whitchurch HS v Millfield
Friday
QEGS Wakefield v RGS High Wycombe
