As we enter the final weekend of September, the patterns for the schools rugby season have begun to emerge and with that the excitement of some fixtures has really cranked up.
Sides that have sprung surprises or had fast starts suddenly have fixtures on the card that leave observes really paying attention. Others are scrapping to inject momentum, it all makes for a fascinating weekend ahead.
One of the most fascinating of all will be one of our back to back LIVE streams this weekend, Ipswich v Sedbergh. These two are definitely among the best around and have got off to stunning starts, but how Saturday pans out will tell us a lot more about exactly where they sit. You will be able to watch that one at 1pm on the NextGenXV YouTube Channel, and through the embedded video below, and you will also be able to watch the U16 fixture between the two on the same link at 11am.
That’s not the only live game, there another fascinating one afterwards at 2.45pm as the 200 year celebrations continue at Rugby School, they are looking for a first victory of the celebratory campaign and welcome an Oundle side that has already made plenty of noise of their own this season, but this will be the most pressurised game of the lot so far, more so even than their derby with Uppingham. Again, that one can be seen at 2.45pm on the NextGenXV YouTube Channel and through the embedded video below.
Before all that, and perhaps to fill some of the time on some of those away trips for many, do be sure to listen to this week’s NextGenXV Podcast, where Sam Howard joined Angus Savage to talk about the season so far, what’s coming up, and to focus in on the Continental Tyres Schools Cup, which had it’s first round this week. The two also discussed Sam’s Cup experience, including those three titles with Dulwich College, and much more.
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They also had a brief look ahead to the weekend, and that is exactly what we do in more depth here as we preview the weekend.
Ten to Watch
As ever, we begin with our Ten to Watch, a task that gets harder with each passing week as more and more side’s results and performances demand greater profile. This week though there are ten fantastic games, including two live games, and knockout tie, a number of derbies, and some seriously competitive fixtures.
Barnard Castle v QEGS Wakefield
Both of these sides have had pretty good starts to the season, only Woodhouse Grove have got the better of Barnard Castle this season and on Wednesday they progressed to the second round of the Cup with a pretty strong win over a Stockport Grammar side that has some real talent within its ranks this year. QEGS have started well too, also reaching the second round of the Cup and running both King’s Macclesfield and St Peter’s close, indeed last week’s 34-32 thriller with St Peter’s was one of the games of the season. Barnard Castle have won the last four head to heads, but this one feels like it could be tight, perhaps a repeat of 2017’s 38-37 thriller, though which way it might go remains very much open.
Bromsgrove v Oakham
This feels big, these two have started superbly well. Bromsgrove have started superbly, beating local rivals Warwick, then progressing in the Cup against Tommies, before a gusty 18-17 away victory at Berkhamsted last week. They have shown a bit of everything. Oakham have been on fire, with pretty commanding displays over both Rugby (see below) and Old Swinford Hospital so far, and they will be desperate to keep the momentum going ahead of the start of their Cup defence next week against a strong Stamford side. Last year Oakham took victory 36-12, and infact Bromsgrove have not beaten the Rutland side since 2004, a slightly unfair stat though given that last year’s meeting was only the second between the sides since then. Another game that feels very much in the balance.
Hurstpierpoint College v RGS Guildford
After the high of the 14-10 away victory over Whitgift last week, Hurstpierpoint College simply had to be in the Ten to Watch, everyone wants to see what they have got in the locker. They are unbeaten, with victories over St John’s and Reed’s preceding that Whitgift victory, and they then backed it up on Wednesday with a brilliant Cup victory over KCS Wimbledon. Now they host an RGS Guildford side that are flying as well, The Judd may have toppled them in week one, but since then victories over Wimbledon College, KCS Wimbledon, and in the Cup St Benedict’s, have seen them build serious momentum. It’s a new fixture for these two, but it has all the signs of being a great one.
Ipswich v Sedbergh – LIVE on NextGenXV (Double Header with U16s)
Saturday sees two of the very best in the country go head to head in a LIVE double header with their U16s. The game is previewed in more depth elsewhere: Ipswich v Sedbergh Preview, but without doubt it is one of the most anticipated of the season given the quality they have shown so far – indeed, take a look at Ipswich’s performance against Northampton School for Boys, below, for an example of that. The 1pm kick off is preceded by the Colts at 11am, which should be another fantastic game, and is also LIVE streamed here on NextGenXV.
John Fisher v Whitgift
The biggest derby game in England? If it’s not, then there is something special going on elsewhere that we need to find out about fast. This is always one of the great schools rugby occasions and should be gain this year. John Fisher’s season got off to a strange start and cancelled game and a home game moved to Eton College because of hard pitches, but they got things properly started last week with a great victory over Wimbledon College. A tricky Cup tie against Dulwich saw them suffer a few knocks on Wednesday, but whatever Fisher side takes to the field, when Whitgift are the opposition, a serious performance awaits. A serious performance from Whitgift awaits too, they are going to be hurting after that defeat to Hurstpierpoint was followed by defeat to Judd in the Cup on Wednesday, they will not be about to let the same happen against their great rivals. The task is might for the hosts though. Not since 2009 have they won this fixture, how they would love to change that now, and how Whitgift will be desperate not to let it change. Perhaps a 25-24 thriller as in 2013 awaits.
Kingswood v Marlborough College
Kingswood have, very quickly, this season marked themselves out as a side to watch. Three victories from three, including a famous 22-21 victory at Cheltenham College and back to back barnstorming performances at home to Bristol Grammar and Prior Park College. They have made people sit up and take notice. Saturday is a big test though, Marlborough College are a fixture on some of the oldest circuits in the country, have won three from four this season and are looking pretty good. They are going to have to be on song though if they are to stop the Kingswood momentum, the only side to have beaten them this year are Cheltenham, the side that Kingswood beat in their opener. The two do not meet often, but their last meeting will provide plenty of inspiration for the hosts, a 22-3 victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy. Saturday could be very special, whichever way it lands.
RGS Newcastle v Woodhouse Grove
When huge Cup fixtures also double up as big Saturday fixtures, you know you’re in for something special. RGS Newcastle’s season hasn’t started as they would have wanted, but dig deeper and they have been performing fairly well, coming within a whisker of victory against St Peter’s and Grammar School at Leeds in two of the great games of the season so far. On Saturday they will want to make the step up, though, and they will be keen to make their mark on the Cup. So too will Woodhouse Grove, who have a great victory over Barnard Castle under their belts, before a defeat to St Joseph’s College last time out. They will be eager to claim another big northern scalp on Saturday. The sides met twice last year, once in the Cup and once outside it, RGS won both, they also met in the Cup in 2019 and 2018, with each winning a game. Always those Cup ties have been close, and hopefully we get another thriller on Saturday.
Rugby v Oundle – LIVE on NextGenXV
After a two week break the 200 years of Rugby Football celebrations return to The Close at Rugby School as they welcome Oundle in front of our LIVE cameras. The game, which should be a great contest, is previewed in depth elsewhere; Rugby v Oundle Preview, and it promises to be compelling. Rugby are looking to kickstart these celebrations with a first victory of the season, while Oundle are off to their best start in recent memory. In preview terms, maybe the fixture for both that gives a sense of how close it could be in Bedford. Oundle won 24-21 at Bedford in week 1, while a fortnight ago (see below) Rugby missed out in a great game to Bedford 27-19. It suggest a cracking game on Old Bigside on Friday.
Trinity v Brighton College
After back to back finals, Trinity’s Cup dominance ended on Tuesday with defeat at Epsom College so they are going to be bang up for this one against Brighton College, especially on their return to home turf. They are going to need to be up for it and at their best, Brighton have started the season like a train, with strong victories over Tonbridge, Hampton, and Dulwich College. The momentum they have built is strong, and victory on Saturday really would complete a remarkable September. This fixture has gone back and forth in recent times, Trinity won relatively comfortably at Brighton last time around, but the year before Brighton won well at Trinity. It has been a topsy-turvy fixture, and one that’s been on the calendar for over a decade. It should be a huge occasion on Saturday, both will need to be on their game, and if they are we should be something great.
Wimbledon College v KCS Wimbledon
A derby game that is measured in yards rather than miles, that tells you everything you need to know about this fixture. It’s another of the great schools rugby derbies. KCS have had the recent dominance, winning the last three in a row including a 22-10 victory at home last time and a 26-0 victory on their last trip across the road. However Wimbledon College will be fancying their chances after a strong Vase victory over Richard Challoner last time out in the Vase. They had started the year with back to back defeats to RGS Guildford and John Fisher, but KCS had had a tricky start too, Caterham, RGS Guildford, and Hurstpierpoint getting the better of them. The manner of each side’s defeat to RGS Guildford suggests that KCS may have the edge going into this derby, however will the upsurge in belief from Wimbledon College’s victory over Richard Challoner challenge that? Either way, it is going to be compelling.
Friday
It is another packed Friday this week, and one that immediately jumps off the page is Kirkham Grammar School hosting Methodist College, Belfast. These Anglo-Irish fixtures are becoming more and more common and make for compelling viewing. The Irish schools system has been celebrated enormously, so these fixture where English schools look to challenge their counterparts from across the Irish sea are fascinating. Kirkham are a strong side, as ever, and will be keen to lay down a marker for the nation, but more importantly themselves, Methodist College will be eager to make a point that it is not just their Leinster Schools that we need to watch out for though.
Elsewhere, Mill Hill have started the season well but on Friday face a St Benedict’s side that will be very keen to impress under the lights and to put a halt to that Mill Hill momentum, it’s be worth watching.
The South West is busy on Friday, Old Cryptians hosts a bit of a derby between The Crypt and St Peter’s, Gloucester, which should be a good contest. Meanwhile there is a Devon/Cornwall derby as Truro School head to Plymouth College. One of the most compelling games of Friday though will be at Downside as they welcome Chilean tourists St John’s.
Further North, Bournville RFC hosts a big Friday night clash between KES Birmingham and Solihull, while in the North West King’s Macclesfield look to continue their fine start as they travel to Sandbach, while Merchant Taylors’ and Cheadle Hulme go head to head as well in a game that should excite plenty.
Friday Fixtures
Downside v St John’s, Chile
KES Birmingham v Solihull – at Bournville RFC
Kirkham GS v Methodist College, Belfast
Merchant Taylors’, Crosby v Cheadle Hulme
Plymouth College v Truro School
Sandbach v King’s Macclesfield
St Benedict’s v Mill Hill
The Crypt v St Peter’s, Gloucester – at Old Cryptians RFC
Saturday
Saturday is absolutely packed, and there are so many fantastic fixtures amongst that. Clifton College return to the field for the first time since that epic last play victory over Millfield, see below, they host Wales’ Christ College Brecon in what should be a great game of rugby. They are not the only Anglo-Welsh fixture on the card either, with Monmouth welcoming Sir Thomas Rich’s for another game that promises plenty, both have looked excellent this season. Fellow Gloucestershire side, King’s Gloucester, are also in Wales as they take on Cathedral School, Llandaff.
Millfield took on Christ College shortly after that agonising defeat to Clifton, they earned a good victory there and will be looking for similar in Dorset this weekend as they travel to Sherborne, who are looking to quickly get back to winning ways after Cup defeat in midweek.
The Cotswolds see Cheltenham College host Abindgon it what is one of those real classic schools rugby fixtures, one that should be a great contest as well. Meanwhile Radley College, who have started the season brilliantly, are hosting St Paul’s in what is one of the oldest fixtures in schools rugby.
In South West London there are a couple of unmissable fixture, not least the derby between Epsom College and St John’s Leatherhead. Epsom are in great form, but in a derby fixture anything can happen, and St John’s have been off to a lively start. Not too far away, Hampton look to inject momentum into their season with a home game against Cranleigh, two sides that have provided so many highlights in the last few years. Both have had good days and bad days so far this season, and Saturday is going to be one of the biggest of the lot for both. It should be a brilliant game of rugby.
On the other side of London is one of the great head to heads in schools rugby as Dulwich College host Wellington College, there are occasions where this is one of the most crucial games of the season, and while in recent times Dulwich have not quite been on pace with the visitors, there are signs that they are on the up and a victory here really would be something special. Wellington won’t make it easy though, far from it, they have been excellent in the early parts of this season, including that stunning victory over Whitgift a couple of week’s ago, see below. Meanwhile in East London, Campion host Reed’s, another of those games that should make for really compelling viewing.
Further south, one that stands out is Seaford College v Berkhamsted, both sides have been busy and may rest a few, but both have the potential to have strong seasons this year and will not want to cede too much chance to get real momentum going. Further east, two sides that have punched so far above their weight in recent times meet in a game that is going to be utterly compelling for that very reason, with Finborough travelling from Suffolk to Kent to take on Sutton Valence.
Back in Suffolk there is a big Suffolk/Norfolk clash as Royal Hospital School welcome a Gresham’s side that has started the season in sensational form. Heading the other way are St Joseph’s College, who will be buoyant after last week’s performance against Woodhouse Grove, they take on a Norwich side that are playing some strong rugby at the moment.
The Midlands has some great fixtures, perhaps chief among them Stamford v Uppingham, a game between two old rivals that also produces plenty of fun. Stamford are playing great stuff though, as shown by their victory over Haileybury at the StoneX last week, see below, while Uppingham are looking for a bit of momentum after a tricky start. What better way than in a derby.
Also looking to bounce back are Bedford, who lost out in the Cup in midweek to some spectacular Haileybury scores, see below. They host an Eton College side that are flying, winning three from three to start the season and looking complete an unbeaten September on Saturday. Across in Warwickshire, Warwick host Samuel Whitbread Academy in what should be another truly compelling fixture, Warwick are a real fixture in the upper end of the schools rugby world, but Samuel Whitbread have been a rising force for a few years now.
Further North, Denstone College and Mount St Mary’s look to bounce back from very different defeats, Denstone met a rampant Ipswich, while Mount St Mary’s suffered heartbreak in a 34-35 defeat to Dame Allan’s on Wednesday. All of which should set up for some thing special. Yorkshire sees Grammar School at Leeds and St Ambrose College go head to head, both have really impressed early on this year and should provide a great game of rugby. Meanwhile across in Lancashire there is a bit of a derby as Lancaster RGS, who look good, host Stonyhurst, who have also started nicely.
Scotland has some great games this weekend too, heavyweights Dollar Academy host one of Scottish rugby’s biggest names, Merchiston Castle, though after taking on Sedbergh last time out, Dollar will feel well prepared. Strathallan have looked good, but have a huge challenge as they welcome arguably Scotland’s form side, George Watson’s College, who have been utterly sensational. Meanwhile Stewart’s Melville host Edinburgh Academy in what is one of the great fixtures in Scottish Schools Rugby.
Elsewhere in Scotland, Loretto are hosting Robert Gordon’s College, while Dundee High, who have had some epics, are at Bell Baxter. Glasgow High School are on the road too, taking on Kelvinside Academy, while fellow Glasgow side Glasgow Academy are also travelling, they head to Marr College. Meanwhile Queen Victoria are hosting Hutchesons’ Grammar, and Glenalmond College welcome North Berwick High.
In the North West of England Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC hosts a big one as AKS Lytham welcome Austin Friars from the North East, while The Grange and Wirral Grammar go head to head in a big one as Hutton Grammar head to Birkenhead.
Altrincham Grammar are hosting Scarisbrick Hall, with Bolton welcoming St Mary’s College, Birkdale meanwhile welcome Bradford Grammar over from Yorkshire. Over in Yorkshire, meanwhile, Ampleforth College and Hymers College go head to head in what should be a cracking game of rugby.
Further South in Nottingham, Trent College and Princethorpe College go head to head, meanwhile Loughborough Grammar make the trip West to take on King’s Worcester, and right on the border Oswestry and Hereford Cathedral School meet. In Coventry, meanwhile, Bablake welcome Leicester Grammar.
Further back East, The Oratory and Bishop Wordsworth’s go head to head in a game that looks to be a really interesting one, while Aylesbury Grammar head to Windsor Boys’.
Hertfordshire sees Richard Hale welcome Brentwood, two schools that have really impressed in recent times, while Bishop’s Stortford High School welcome Merchant Taylors’ from London and Wellingborough host Bedford Modern.
Further East Framlingham College and The Leys are in action, that one should be a great game, and there’s a Fens derby as Wisbech Grammar host Wymondham College.
Back in London, Emanuel host Worth in what promises to be a compelling game, while not too far away Tiffin welcome Gunnersbury. Meanwhile QES Barnet are hosting Coopers’ Coborn and St Olave’s head to The Cedars, and look out for London Oratory’s trip to Latymer Upper, that will be worth keeping and eye on.
Kent is a hub of activity on Saturday and one side that you cannot keep your eyes off at the moment are The Judd, they have been brilliant and are on the road at Dartford Grammar this week. Skinners’ have also impressed, they host Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar, and look out for Langley Park, who host a really exciting fixture on Saturday, welcoming Australian tourists Daramalan.
Ravens Wood are on the road at Gravesend Grammar, always an exciting contest, while Colfe’s host UCS and Cranbrook are hosting Duke of York’s Royal Military and Sir Joseph Williamson’s head to Kent College.
Over in Sussex, Christ’s Hospital v Sevenoaks should be a fantastic game of rugby, while in Surrey the only place to start is Caterham who were fantastic last week and King’s Canterbury and have another big one this week as they host Eltham College. Elsewhere in Surrey St George’s Weybridge have a huge game against Reading Blue Coat, both sides have shown real quality, while Royal Alexandra & Albert are hosting Churcher’s College.
On the South Coast Portsmouth Grammar welcome a good Gordon’s side from Surrey, while Ryde welcome Mount Kelly from the South West. Heading from the South Coast to Wiltshire are KES Southampton, they take on a Dauntsey’s side that has had a very strong start to the year and are definitely worth keeping an eye on. Staying in Wiltshire, Warminster host Embley.
Further into the South West, Prior Park College welcome Clifton High School to Bath, while heading to Bristol from Somerset are Taunton School, they take on a strong Collegiate side. Bristol Grammar meanwhile look to build on last week’s performance when they host Gloucestershire’s Wycliffe College.
Over in Gloucestershire, a huge game sees Dean Close and RGS Worcester go head to head, while along the road Pate’s Grammar welcome QEH. Down in Devon, Exeter School have a big one too, hosting West Buckland.
Alongside the many 1st XV fixtures this weekend, there are a number of games featuring 1st XVs taking on lower XVs, including at King’s Bruton, who are hosting a triangular with Clifton College and Marlborough College’s 3rd XVs. Mount Kelly are sending a 2nd XV to Shebbear College, while Milton Abbey welcome Sherborne’s 4th XV.
Magdalen College, who played that epic last Friday night at Iffley Road, see below, head to take on Warwick’s 2nd XV. While Nottingham High School host Denstone College’s 2nd XV.
Meanwhile in the South East, Fulham Boys’ host a London Oratory 2nd XV, while travelling to Ashford are Maidstone Grammar’s 2nd XV.
Saturday Fixtures
AKS Lytham v Austin Friars – at Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC
Altrincham GS v Scarisbrick Hall
Ampleforth College v Hymers College
Bablake v Leicester GS
Bedford v Eton College
Bell Baxter v Dundee HS
Birkdale v Bradford GS
Birkenhead v Hutton GS
Bishop’s Stortford HS v Merchant Taylors’, Northwood
Bristol GS v Wycliffe College
Bolton v St Mary’s College
Campion v Reed’s
Caterham v Eltham College
Cathedral School, Llandaff v King’s Gloucester
Cedars v St Olave’s GS
Cheltenham College v Abingdon
Christ’s Hospital v Sevenoaks
Clifton College v Christ College
Colfe’s v UCS
Collegiate v Taunton
Cranbrook v Duke of York’s Royal Military
Dartford GS v The Judd
Dauntsey’s v KES Southampton
Dean Close v RGS Worcester
Denstone College v Mount St Mary’s College
Denstone College 2nd XV v Nottingham HS
Dollar Academy v Merchiston Castle
Dulwich College v Wellington College
Emanuel v Worth
Epsom College v St John’s, Leatherhead
Exeter School v West Buckland
Framlingham College v The Leys
Fulham Boys v London Oratory 2nd XV
Glenalmond College v North Berwick HS
Grammar School at Leeds v St Ambrose College
Gravesend GS v Ravens Wood
Hampton v Cranleigh
Kelvinside Academy v Glasgow HS
Kent College v Sir Joseph Williamson’s
King’s Bruton Triangular: Clifton College 3rd XV, King’s Bruton, Marlborough College 3rd XV
King’s Worcester v Loughborough GS
Lancaster RGS v Stonyhurst
Langley Park v Daramalan, Australia
Latymer Upper v London Oratory
Loretto v Robert Gordon’s College
Maidstone GS 2nd XV v Ashford
Marr College v Glasgow Academy
Milton Abbey v Sherborne 4th XV
Monmouth v Sir Thomas Rich’s
Norwich v St Joseph’s College
Oswestry v Hereford Cathedral
Pate’s GS v QEH
Portsmouth GS v Gordon’s
Prior Park College v Clifton HS
QES Barnet v Coopers’ Coborn
Queen Victoria v Hutchesons’ GS
Radley College v St Paul’s
Richard Hale v Brentwood
Royal Alexandra & Albert v Churcher’s College
Royal Hospital School v Gresham’s
Ryde v Mount Kelly
Seaford College v Berkhamsted
Shebbear College v Mount Kelly 2nd XV
Sherborne v Millfield
Skinners’ v Chislehurst & Sidcup GS
St George’s College, Weybridge v Reading Blue Coat
Stamford v Uppingham
Stewart’s Melville v Edinburgh Academy
Strathallan v George Watson’s College
Sutton Valence v Finborough
The Grange v Wirral GS
The Oratory v Bishop Wordsworth’s
Tiffin v Gunnersbury
Trent College v Princethorpe College
Warminster v Embley
Warwick v Samuel Whitbread Academy
Warwick 2nd XV v Magdalen College
Wellingborough v Bedford Modern
Windsor Boys’ v Aylesbury GS
Wisbech GS v Wymondham College
