2023 has arrived and Christmas and the New Year have passed, replacing them though is a new year of schools and academy rugby and it is set to be a fantastic first few months of the year.
There is 7s season to come, Lambs Rugby, U18 International Rugby, and much more, as well as the Premiership Rugby U18 Academy League’s return, the preview for which you can read here: Round 3 Academy League Preview.
There is also regular fifteen-a-side schools rugby action though, beginning on Friday night with a belter between two sides that were absolutely fantastic last term, Northampton School for Boys and Samuel Whitbread Academy.
Saturday also has a handful of fixtures, perhaps most exciting of all being one of last year’s star sides, King’s Macclesfield, heading over to St Ambrose College. Not too far away from there, Bolton School host Manchester Grammar, while Kirkham Grammar School have a second XV in action at home to Old Swinford Hospital.
In the South two old rivals go head to head, John Fisher and Brighton College, and with only Ethan Dando in Harlequins duty for either side, this should be a near-enough full strength head to head and a great way to start the term.
The NextGenXV Spring League also kicks off this January, with fixtures commencing next weekend – more info and previews will be coming out over the weekend but it promises to be a superb showcase and opportunity for schools rugby for those not involved in representative rugby or on the 7s field at present.
2023 is set to be a fantastic year!
Schools Rugby Weekend Fixtures
Friday
Northampton School for Boys v Samuel Whitbread Academy
Saturday
Bolton v Manchester Grammar
John Fisher v Brighton College
Kirkham Grammar 2nd XV v Old Swinford Hospital
St Ambrose College v King’s Macclesfield
