It is a huge midweek on the Schools Rugby calendar as the U18 Schools Cup kicks off, with games on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
There will be fixtures across the Schools Vase and Schools Bowl as well in what is the busiest week on the calendar so far, with sides up and down the country gearing up for a run in the knockouts.
Schools Cup
The Schools Cup is where we begin this week’s preview, with games in all eight sections and some massive head to heads – some top sides will be in the Plate after Round 1 (round 1 losers go to the Plate competition), and indeed some already are.
North A
QEGS Wakefield v Woodhouse Grove – Wednesday
Grammar School at Leeds v St Peter’s, York – Wednesday
Stonyhurst v Lancaster RGS – Saturday
Barnard Castle v RGS Newcastle – Wednesday
North A is loaded and sees three fixtures taking place on Wednesday. Former champions QEGS Wakefield host former Plate champions Woodhouse Grove, and the winner of that will take on the winner of another major-heavyweight battle, Grammar School at Leeds v St Peter’s York.
Also on Wednesday is a fixture between two absolute giants of this competition, as 2003, 2004, and 2007 finalists Barnard Castle host 2010 finalists RGS Newcastle. Both look strong this year too, so it could be a cracker. They will have to wait until Saturday to find out their second round opponents though, that is when Stonyhurst host Lancaster RGS.
North B
Bromsgrove v Solihull – Tuesday
Oswestry v King’s Macclesfield – Wednesday
Stockport Grammar v Cheadle Hulme – Wednesday
Merchant Taylors’ 25-0 Liverpool College
The North B action begins on Tuesday with 2015 and 2016 champions Bromsgrove hosting a Solihull side that is averaging over 50 points a game this season. This will be by far Solihull’s biggest test though, but their confidence should make this game against a strong Bromsgrove side a must-see encounter. The winner will be watching Oswestry v King’s Macclesfield with interest on Wednesday, they will play the side that emerges from that one on top, and King’s Macclesfield must be feeling confident after their performance on Saturday.
Also watching Wednesday with keen interest will be Merchant Taylors’, Crosby. They beat Liverpool College 25-0 last week to seal their second round spot and will travel to the winner of Wednesday’s encounter between Stockport Grammar and Cheadle Hulme.
Midlands A
Oakham 64-7 Uppingham
Rugby v Warwick – Wednesday
Stowe 52-8 Bloxham
King’s Worcester 29-5 RGS Worcester
There is only one game to be played in Midlands A with three of the fixtures having already take place. It’s a big one too, Rugby hosting three-time champions Warwick in what has all the ingredients for a classic. Watching on will be Oakham, who will play the winner after their stunning 64-7 demolition of neighbours Uppingham last week.
On the other side of the draw the round to fixture is already known, last year’s Plate winners Stowe will host King’s Worcester. Stowe beat former Plate champions Bloxham by a stunning 52-8 margin on Saturday, while the week before King’s Worcester were 29-5 victors over major rivals RGS Worcester.
Midlands B
Ipswich v Finborough – Tuesday 4th
Campion v Felsted – Date TBC
Haileybury v Bedford – Tuesday
Bedford Modern v Northampton School for Boys – Thursday
Midlands B will take longer to shake out, the date for Campion v Felsted has not been publicly confirmed and the winner will have to wait until a week on Tuesday to find out who they are playing as that is when Ipswichhost Finborough in a game that could be an absolute classic. A few years ago it might have looked like a ‘weaker’ fixture, now it looks as though it’s two of the best around going at it.
This Tuesday on the other side of the draw Haileybury host Bedford, and with both sides in good form that could be a classic. The winner will then likely send an envoy to Bedford Modern on Thursday to keep an eye on their game against Northampton School for Boys, a game that looks ever more competitive as the season rolls on.
London & South East A
Cardinal Newman v Hurstpierpoint College – Tuesday
The Judd v John Fisher – Wednesday
Epsom College v Whitgift – Tuesday
Trinity v Dulwich College – Wednesday
London & South East A is loaded, Bromsgrove and Warwick are the only sides to have won the Schools Cup apart from those in this section since 2009. Whitgift, Dulwich College, and reigning champions Trinity are all in this section of the draw. However it is in the top half that we begin and a game on Tuesday between the Ealing Trailfinders backed Cardinal Newman and visitors Husrtpierpoint College. The winner there will turn their attention to a massive all-state school clash on Wednesday where the bang in form The Judd, who have already claimed the scalp on Tonbridge this season, host John Fisher, who are full of confidence too. It could be a classic.
It is the bottom half of the draw where the pot of champions exists though. On Tuesday 2010, 2011, 2019, and shared 2020 champions Whitgift travel to former Champions Trophy finalists Epsom College for a game between giants. For the winner, life won’t get any easier, they will be facing the winner of Wednesday massive clash between reigning champions, and Whitgift’s next door neighbours, Trinity, and the 2012, 2013, and 2014 champions Dulwich College. A section to pay very close attention to.
London & South East B
KCS Wimbledon v Wimbledon College – Saturday
Hampton v St Paul’s – Wednesday
St Benedict’s v Harrow – Wednesday 5th
Berkhamsted v New Hall – Tuesday 4th
Only one game in London & South East B this midweek as Hampton host St Paul’s, and Hampton must be among the favourites this year after a flying start to the season – if they can beat St Paul’s. For the winners attention will turn to Saturday’s huge Wimbledon derby as KCS Wimbledon host Wimbledon College in a match that is always massive, and with the Cup element added, just got even bigger.
The bottom half of the draw all happens next week, with reigning Daily Mail trophy champions Berkhamsted hosting New Hall on Tuesday. The winner will then be facing the winner of St Benedict’s v Harrow, which takes place on Wednesday. The two met in this competition last year, with Harrow winning – St Benedict’s only defeat of the term. Harrow are looking strong again this year, and will almost certainly have their eyes on a run all the way to Twickenham.
South West A
Seaford College v RGS High Wycombe – Tuesday
Caterham v RGS Guildford – Wednesday
Marlborough College v Abingdon – Wednesday
Bishop Wordsworth’s v Canford – Tuesday
South West A plays a bit fast and loose with the term South West, but begins in exciting fashion on Tuesday as Seaford College host former champions RGS High Wycombe, two sides capable of brilliance. The winner will then face the winner of Wednesday’s clash between Caterham and an RGS Guildford side that is looking utterly formidable this season.
The other side of the draw also has a Tuesday fixture as 1991 and 2017 finalists Bishop Wordsworth’s host Canford for what should be a really competitive game. The winner will be on the road in round 2 to face the winner of Wednesday’s encounter between Marlborough College and Abingdon, another that should be a fantastic game.
South West B
Sir Thomas Rich’s v Monmouth – Tuesday
Collegiate 22-31 Sherborne
Blundell’s v Richard Huish – Date TBC
King’s College, Taunton v Taunton School – Wednesday
South West B begins on Tuesday with a massive one between Sir Thomas Rich’s and Monmouth, the winner knows exactly wait awaits them too, last year’s semi finalists, Sherborne, who last week defeated Collegiate 31-22.
On Wednesday there is a big derby game in South West B, King’s College Taunton hosting Taunton School, always a huge game. The winner there will face either Blundell’s or Richard Huish, their fixture date is yet to be publicly confirmed.
Remaining Fixtures
Tuesday
George Watson’s College v Strathallan
KES Southampton v St Albans College, South Africa
Morrison’s Academy v Queen Victoria
Scarisbrick Hall v AKS Lytham
St Edward’s, Oxford v Radley College
Woodbridge v King’s Ely
Outside of the Cup, Tuesday sees some fantastic games, most notably of all the Oxford derby between St Edward’s and Radley College. Radley have had the better of this one recently, Teddies’ last win was 2017, but this is always a huge occasion and expect another on Tuesday.
Keep an eye out also on the South Coast, where KES Southampton welcome South African tourists St Albans College, meanwhile in the east Woodbridge welcome King’s Ely and in the North West AKS Lytham head to Scarisbrick Hall.
In Scotland there are a couple of games too, Strathallan looking to bounce back from a narrow defeat on Saturday when they head to George Watson’s College, while Morrison’s Academy welcome Queen Victoria.
Wednesday
Ashville Harrogate v Bradford Grammar 2nd XV
Bancroft’s v Haberdashers’
Bloxham v Wellingborough
Cardinal Vaughan v Ewell Castle
Chesham Grammar v Sir William Borlase’s
Christ College v Ysgol Gyfun Plasmawr
Dr Challoner’s Grammar v Royal Latin
Hitchin Boys v St Edmund’s College, Ware
KES Five Ways v King’s Gloucester
Leighton Park v The Forest
Llandovery College v Cardiff & Vale College
Pangbourne College v The Oratory
Reading v Holyport
Reddam House v LVS Ascot
Royal Alexandra & Albert v Riddlesdown Collegiate
Rydal Penrhos v Wirral Grammar 2nd XV
Salesian v St George’s College, Weybridge
St Edward’s College, Liverpool v Merchant Taylors’
Wallington County Grammar v Emanuel
Wednesday is a busy day in the Schools Vase and Schools Bowl but there is also a huge amount of other rugby going on around the country too.
Amongst those other games, a fantastic evening kick off between Pangbourne College and The Oratory, a game that ought to be an absolutely fantastic occasion. Not too far away, Reading welcome Holyport, with LVS Ascot at Reddam House.
St George’s College Werbidge are at Salesian, with Royal Alexandra & Albert hosting Riddlesdown Collegiate, while Dr Challoner’s host Royal Latin. Leighton Park, once home to Chunya Munga, host The Forest, with Chesham Grammar welcoming Sir William Borlase’s.
Wallington County Grammar host Emanuel, a game that should be a really good one, while Cardinal Vaughan host Wellingborough and Haberdashers’ head to Bancroft’s. Hitchin Boys meanwhile welcome St Edmund’s College, Ware.
Moving West, Bloxham are in action and hoping to bounce back after a tough weekend when they host Wellingborough, while further West still KES Five Ways welcome King’s Gloucester.
Over in Wales there is action too, Christ College hosting Ysgol Gyfun Plasmawr and Cardiff & Vale College heading for a massive fixture at Llandovery College. Rydal Penrhos meanwhile welcome Wirral Grammar 2nd XV across the border from the Wirral. Across the water from the Wirral, St Edward’s College Liverpool host Merchant Taylors’, while in Yorkshire Ashville Harrogate host the Bradford Grammar School 2nd XV, their 1st XV are in Schools Vase action.
Aylesbury Grammar v Tring (Schools Vase)
Beth’s Grammar v Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar (Schools Vase)
Birkenhead v King William’s College (Schools Bowl)
Bradford Grammar v Rishworth (Schools Vase)
Brentwood v Southend High (Schools Vase)
Calday Grange Grammar v Wirral Grammar (Schools Vase)
Cedars v Harris City Academy (Schools Bowl)
Claires Court v Haberdashers’ Elstree (Schools Vase)
Eastbourne College v Churcher’s College (Schools Vase)
Ellesmere College v Newcastle-Under-Lyme (Schools Vase)
Embley v Portsmouth Grammar (Schools Bowl)
Farnborough 6th form College v St James’ (Schools Bowl)
Gravesend Grammar v Sevenoaks (Schools Vase)
Grey Court v UCS (Schools Vase)
Gryphon v West Buckland (Schools Bowl)
Halliford v Reed’s (Schools Vase)
Hill House v Mount St Mary’s College (Schools Vase)
KES Southampton v Ryde (Schools Vase)
Langley v Framlingham College (Schools Vase)
Lord Wandsworth College v Windsor Boys’ (Schools Vase)
Loughborough Grammar v Robert Smyth (Schools Vase)
Maidstone Grammar v Skinners’ (Schools Vase)
Manchester Grammar v Wilmslow High (Schools Vase)
Marling v The Crypt (Schools Vase)
Mount Kelly v Plymouth College (Schools Bowl)
Princethorpe College v Kenilworth (Schools Vase)
Queen Mary’s Grammar v Bishop Vesey’s Grammar (Schools Vase)
Ravens Wood v Hayes (Schools Vase)
Reading Blue Coat v St Bartholomew’s (Schools Vase)
Saint Cecilia’s v Carshalton (Schools Bowl)
Samuel Whitbread Academy v Roundwood Park (Schools Vase)
Simon Langton Grammar v Sutton Valence (Schools Vase)
St Ambrose College v Bolton (Schools Vase)
St John’s Leatherhead v Christ’s Hospital (Schools Vase)
The Perse v Watford Grammar (Schools Vase)
Ullswater v Giggleswick (Schools Vase)
Wells Cathedral v Exeter (Schools Vase)
Worksop College v Lady Manners (Schools Bowl)
Yarm v Durham (Schools Vase)
Both the Vase and the Bowl are absolutely jam packed this week, but there are some real standout fixtures. Bradford Grammar hosting Rishworth is huge as Bradford Grammar look capable of a very deep run. The Wirral derby between Calday Grange Grammar and Wirral Grammar is always huge too. Meanwhile look out of reigning champions Mount St Mary’s and Hill House. Yarm v Durham is another that could be a huge fixture.
Further South Langley v Framlingham College is one with plenty of potential, so too fellow former champions Samuel Whitbread Academy hosting Roundwood Park. Look out too for Reading Blue Coat, stars last year, hosting St Bartholomew’s.
Further South still, the big games keep coming, 2022 finalists Sutton Valence heading to Simon Langton and the ever-competitive Hayes are Ravens Wood. St John’s Leatherhead host Christ’s Hospital, that should be a good one, while Eastbourne College, who are looking handy, host Churcher’s College. Play close attention to Halliford v Reed’s too, Halliford would lover a big scalp.
Thursday
Bryanston v Beechen Cliff 2nd XV
Clayesmore v Milton Abbey
Clifton College v St Andrew’s Scots, Argentina
George Heriot’s v Loretto
Glenalmond College v Dundee High
Kingswood v Westonbirt
Warminster v Clayesmore
Thursday is another day with plenty going on, notably in the South West. Clifton College host a really special fixture against Argentine tourists St Andrew’s Scots, who have been enjoying themselves on tour so far. Meanwhile Clayesmore host Milton Abbey and have a 2nd XV out at Warminster. Kingswood welcomeWestonbirt after a top weekend, while Bryanston welcome Beechen Cliff’s non-ACE side to town.
There are also a couple of games up in Scotland as Loretto head to George Heriot’s and Glenalmond College host Dundee High.
Bishop Stopford v The Leys (Schools Bowl)
Hardenhuish v Monkton Combe (Schools Bowl)
Ratcliffe College v Leicester Grammar (Schools Bowl)
Trent College v Nottingham High (Schools Vase)
Over in the Schools Vase there is a massive local derby between Trent College and Nottingham High, there are also three Schools Bowl games, The Leys heading to Bishop Stopford, Monkton Combe being hosted by Hardenhuish, and a massive one between Ratcliffe College and Leicester Grammar.
