Another huge weekend of schools rugby looms, following one of the great weekends last week that real sea changes in the pattern of this schools rugby season.
With October now upon us and the late summer sun fading, kick off times sliding earlier, and harsher weather creeping in, we are into the meat of the schools rugby season and those that enjoyed a strong September are now eyeing up one of those seasons that is remembered by future yeargroups, those that didn’t will be looking for a reset ahead of the half term break.
What is clear is that if September, and indeed early October, is anything to go by then we are in for one of the great schools rugby seasons. So many games have gone down to the wire, filled with quality, filled with drama, and filled with last play scores, last night’s live Berkhamsted v Denstone College fixture (see below) being just the latest example.
This weekend there are a whopping FOUR live fixtures to get stuck into, providing yet more opportunity for late drama. Though whether or not there is late drama, there is sure to be great quality, one need only look at the fixtures; Haileybury v Oundle, Marlborough College v Eton College, Millfield v Wellington College, and Rugby v Stowe. 8 fantastic schools rugby sides, and you can watch them all LIVE (or one after the other!) on the NextGenXV YouTube Channel, and there are embedded links in our Ten to Watch.
Ten to Watch
Onto that Ten to Watch and ten excellent fixtures including those four LIVE games and a pair of Friday Night Lights fixtures as well. It looks set to be an almighty weekend of rugby.
Brighton College v Hurstpierpoint College
Brighton College have started the season like a train, four wins from four in September, 149 points scored, 29 conceded, and a tough old fixture list. They are looking strong and are surely feeling like they can take on anyone. On Saturday they are back at home after last week’s 48-7 victory at Trinity, hosting a Hurstpierpoint College side that are going to be feeling just as confident. They too have had a perfect September, playing five and winning them all, the likes of St John’s, Reed’s, RGS Guildford, and KCS Wimbledon in the Cup have ben toppled, but the standout result was surely a 14-10 victory at Whitgift a fortnight ago. Having toppled one giant they’d love another, and they have every reason to believe they can, Brighton have every reason to believe otherwise though, and will be determined to end the Hurst run and continue their own. The excitement for this one is huge.
Clifton College v Seaford College
Speaking of excitement, there is a lot of excitement about Clifton College v Seaford College this weekend, a new fixture on the calendar this year and one that should produce a fantastic game of rugby. Clifton College have had a habit of being involved in absolute thrillers this season, barring their 28-0 victory against Christ College last time out all have been epic games of rugby, not least that last play 43-41 stunner against Millfield (see below). Only Harrow have beaten them, and even that was one of the great schools rugby games. Seaford will be a threat, no doubt, they started the season well but had a couple of tight losses thereafter before righting the ship with a 28-0 victory over Berkhamsted last time out. Make no mistake though, this will be one of the biggest games in Seaford history, they will be excited and determined and Clifton College, one of the best three or four in the country, will need to be at their sharpest.
Finborough v Kirkham GS – at Leicester Forest RFC (Friday)
Leicester Forest RFC, that great meeting ground in the middle of the country, plays host on Friday night to a cracker as Finborough, one of the absolute stars of last season, take on Kirkham Grammar, a fixture at the top end for years now. The two have never met before but you sense that it could be a fantastic fixture. Both have gone well so far this season, a big win over RGS Colchester for Finborough and a spectacular draw at Sutton Valence, while Kirkham have been superb as ever, sweeping most before them en route to an unbeaten start, including a 52-12 victory over Northern Irish side Methodist College last week. Only St Ambrose College have kept in touch, and that is the task that faces Finborough against one of the very best around in Kirkham, stay in touch and then see what happens.
Haileybury v Oundle – LIVE on NextGenXV – 2.30pm KO
One of FOUR live games this weekend and actually a fourth live game for Haileybury and a second for Oundle. The game is previewed in depth elsewhere: Haileybury v Oundle Preview, but it should be a fantastic game of rugby, both have had fantastic starts to the season and have been involved in some thrilling live games this season, not least Haileybury’s epic victory at Rugby earlier in the season their first there in 15 years. Oundle have been smashing records too though, so strap in because we are in for a cracker on Saturday.
Harrogate GS v Woodhouse Grove – at Yarnbury RFC (Friday)
A fantastic Yorkshire derby with which to kick off the weekend as Yarnbury RFC hosts Harrogate Grammar and Woodhouse Grove on Friday night. Harrogate are one of the great rising stars of schools rugby at moment, having had some wonderful performances in recent times, and indeed this season – a 44-0 victory over Ampleforth College in the Vase was a brilliant performance. Woodhouse Grove though have become an established powerhouse not just in Yorkshire but the country as a whole. Only St Joseph’s College have got the better of them and either side of that defeat were good performances in victory over Barnard Castle and RGS Newcastle. This will be just as strong a test though, Harrogate are a proud and strong side, but so too are Woodhouse Grove. Neither will yield an inch and it should make for an absolutely brilliant game of rugby under the lights on Friday.
Marlborough College v Eton College – LIVE on NextGenXV – 3pm KO (1pm for Old Boys)
Another big LIVE game on Saturday, this one a 3pm kick off though coverage will actually start as 1pm for the Old Boys game beforehand. It is all a part of Marlborough College’s Festival of Sport this Saturday, which sees dozens of fixtures and alumni events over the course of the day. On the field the action should be superb, Eton College are unbeaten and played superbly but Marlborough College look good too and would love to put on a show on such a big day. You can check out our full preview here: Marlborough College v Eton College.
Millfield v Wellington College – LIVE on NextGenXV – 2.30pm KO
The LIVE action keeps on coming thick and fast on Saturday, and perhaps none is quite so big as Millfield v Wellington College, two of the most well known and successful schools on the rugby field anywhere on the planet. Last year’s game between them was an epic, won by a whisker by Millfield and Wellington College. If we get even half of that game this year then we will have had a classic on our hands. It promises to be an incredible day and a wonderful game, and you can check out our full preview of the game here: Millfield v Wellington College.
Monmouth v Bromsgrove
Monmouth have won this fixture the last couple of times on the bounce and they are playing some good stuff this season, with victories over Malvern College and Collegiate in strong fashion and tight defeats to quality sides in Cheltenham College and Sir Thomas Rich’s. They will be feeling good ahead of Saturday therefore but are going to have to be at their sharpest because Bromgrove are absolutely flying at the moment, unbeaten, and with victories over Oakham, Berkhamsted, old rivals Warwick, and, perhaps crucially, Sir Thomas Rich’s. That Tommies result suggest an edge for Bromsgrove, but a trip across the border to Monmouth is never as straightforward as that. It has all the ingredients to be a fantastic game of schools rugby.
Rugby v Stowe – LIVE on NextGenXV – 3pm KO
Our fourth LIVE game on Saturday sees the Bicentenary Celebrations continue at Rugby School as they welcome Stowe to The Close. It is a long-standing fixture on the list and has often produced some classic games. These games at Rugby School celebrating 200 years of Rugby Football have all tended to be superb, and everything points towards another cracker here between two sides that appear to be well matched judging by their seasons so far. It should be another wonderful occasion, and you can see our full preview of the game here: Rugby v Stowe.
Sedbergh v St Peter’s, York
The final game of our Ten to Watch looks really interesting. Sedbergh are, as everyone knows, a giant of the school game and started the season on fire. Last weekend though they were defeated by Ipswich in a game which really confirmed Ipswich’s status as being at the top of the school game and there to stay. Even in defeat though, Sedbergh showed what they are all about with a flurry in the last ten minutes that took them from 32-10 down to 32-29 and within a whisker of somehow finding a way to win. So they will welcome St Peter’s with a mixture of hurt and pride on Saturday, and they will need to put in a strong display too because St Peter’s are in great form. They are unbeaten this season having toppled RGS Newcastle, Hymers College, QEGS Wakefield, and Stonyhurst. The task for them is mighty, but they will never feel more confident on a trip to Buskhome, Sedbergh though will rarely be more determined. It should be a great occasion.
Around the Grounds
Friday
Friday sees some great fixtures taking place under the lights, and the growth of these Friday Night Lights games in the last few years really has been such a boost for schools rugby, adding to the sense of occasion, enjoyment, and experience for all involved.
The North West sees a couple of Friday games, with Chester RUFC hosting The Grange v Calday Grange, a game that should be a good one, as should Altrincham Grammar v Sandbach.
The South West also has some good ones, including a special one at Plymouth Albion RFC as Plymouth College host Mount Kelly, Winscombe RFC meanwhile sees Sidcot host Clifton College’s 3rd XV.
In the Midlands Bishop’s Stortford High host The Perse at Bishop’s Stortford RFC, while there is a Continental Tyres Schools Bowl game at King’s Ely as they host Impington College. Meanwhile in Reading St Joseph’s welcome Dunnotar, and at Petersfield RFC Churcher’s College and Reading Blue Coat go head to head in one of the games of the day.
Friday Fixtures
Altrincham GS v Sandbach
Bishop’s Stortford HS v The Perse – at Bishop’s Stortford RFC
Churcher’s College v Reading Blue Coat – at Petersfield RFC
King’s Ely v Impington College (Bowl Round 1)
Plymouth College v Mount Kelly – at Plymouth Albion RFC
Sidcot v Clifton College 3rd XV – at Winscombe RFC
St Joseph’s College, Reading v Dunottar
The Grange v Calday Grange GS – at Chester RUFC
Saturday
It is a mammoth Saturday this week, and there is so much to keep an eye out for including some of the best sides in the country and plenty of sides that have stood out with some eye catching performances in the opening weeks. One side that ticks both of those boxes are Harrow, who are unbeaten and looking formidable. They are back at home this week and likely back on the main pitch after loaning it out to the Atlanta Falcons, some experience for the school! They North West London side host another giant in the form of Warwick, for what should be a great afternoon.
Staying in the capital, Dulwich College play their oldest fixture this weekend when they host Bedford, a game that should be a strong contest as both look, at this stage, like they are well matched. It’s a game that is always a great contest. East London features one to keep an eye on, and one of those side that have been eye catching in the form of the unbeaten and rampant St Albans. They travel to Campion who are looking in good shape themselves having given Ipswich a terrific game in the Cup on Wednesday, keep an eye on this one.
Across in South West London there are some crackers, among them St Paul’s v RGS Guildford, a fixture that always seems to generate a good game. The big one in the area feels like Hampton v Epsom College. Always a good game, it feels even bigger this year after Hampton overcame a slow start with a thumping Cup win before their biggest result of the season last weekend as they beat Cranleigh. It was the perfect time to find peak form as they now host an unbeaten Epsom College side that have almost gone under the radar. Definitely a fixture to look out for. Cranleigh, meanwhile, look to bounce back from that defeat to Hampton as they host KCS Wimbledon, who will be feeling in great spirits after their derby victory last time out.
Oxford has some great games, Radley College v Tonbridge is one of the great school fixtures and usually produces some fantastic games of rugby. Radley look strong this season with an unbeaten start, but Tonbridge have bounced back well from opening day defeat to Brighton, with victories over The Judd and St Paul’s. Along the road, Abingdon have a big Saturday ahead as they look to overcome a tricky September, they have a tough opponent against which to do so though, RGS High Wycombe, who have started the season sensationally and look to have one of their best sides for a few years.
The South West has some great fixtures too, and some sides of its own that appear to be the best their school has had in years. Chief among that cohort being Kingswood, who were sensational against Marlborough College last week and have started the season unbeaten. They travel to a good Malvern College side on Saturday, but Malvern are going to have to be bang on against this superb Kingswood outfit.
Gloucestershire sees a big game between Sir Thomas Rich’s and Dean Close, that is going to be one to watch closely and would be worth a trip if you’re in the area, similarly it may be worth travelling from Gloucestershire to Devon with Cheltenham College as they head to take on Blundell’s in what ought to be another brilliant game of schools rugby.
In the East, look out for Gresham’s. Almost under the radar they have gone unbeaten through September and done so in style, averaging 53 points a game. They face their toughest test so far on Saturday though, welcoming a Felsted side that has beaten both Haileybury and Seaford College. Over in Bedford, meanwhile, Bedford Modern have started the season brilliantly. They host an Uppingham side short on confidence, but against whom they will likely have a game that tells us exactly where each side is. One that will tell us a lot about both sides.
In the North of England the Tom Burrow Cup will be a huge occasion, as ever, featuring the likes of Austin Friars, Dame Allan’s, and Silcoates, hosted by Yarm. It ought to be a very special day in the North East. As it should along at a rampant Durham, who are hosting Ampleforth College. Travelling from the North East are Barnard Castle, they head to Lancaster RGS for a game that looks like it should be a great one, both have had some really strong results this season.
One of the games of the day comes in Scotland as Merchiston Castle and Strathallan meet, they have been the closest challengers to a brilliant George Watson’s side this year, Merchiston losing narrowly and Strathallan drawing last weekend, which all suggests a fantastic game on Saturday.
George Watson’s themselves are in action at home to Fettes College, while Edinburgh Academy and Dollar Academy go head to head in a big one. Stewart’s Melville, meanwhile, are over in Glasgow to take on Glasgow Academy. Loretto host Bell Baxter and George Heriot’s welcome North Berwick, while Hutcheson’s Grammar are on the road at Jordanhill and Glasgow High School head to Kelvinside Academy. Also on Saturday, Morrison’s Academy head to St Leonards and Glenalmond College travel to Aberdeen and Robert Gordon’s College.
Back in England and Yorkshire in particular, Bradford Grammar and Giggleswick go head to head, while Pocklington welcome Trent College from Nottingham. Staying in Nottingham are Nottingham High School, they host Worksop College. Not too far away Loughborough Grammar welcome Wellingborough.
The North West of England looks, as ever, busy. Stockport Grammar have a strong side but a tough fixture at home to Lymm High, likewise St Ambrose College, who travel to St Anselm’s College. Wirral Grammar are also on the road as they head to Cheadle Hulme, while Birkenhead travel from the Wirral to St Mary’s College.
Stonyhurst v Mount St Mary’s College has the feel of a big game, both have strong sides and could have very good seasons. Hutton Grammar are on their travels, heading to Merchant Taylors’, while Altrincham Grammar head to Crossley Heath and Bolton travel to Liverpool College. Scarisbrick Hall meanwhile host the Isle of Man’s King William’s College, while Manchester Grammar are at Kirkham Grammar to play their 2nd XV.
Not too far away Ellesmere College are at home to Haberdashers’ Adams, while KES Stratford host a well travelled side from The Crypt. On the West border Oswestry welcome across St David’s College for what promises to be a good game of rugby.
One of the biggest games in the area will surely be Solihull v Old Swinford Hospital, two strong sides, while Bablake have been strong this year and host Stamford’s 2nd XV. In Oxford Magdalen College have looked good too, they host Bloxham, while heading from Oxford are St Edward’s who have a big game at The Oratory. Their namesakes, London Oratory, are in action at Windsor Boys’.
Hertfordshire sees St Columba’s College host QES Barnet, while Bishop’s Stortford College host The Leys, from Cambridge. Norwich School meanwhile host Framlingham College from Suffolk, that one should be a really good game, and it’s a busy day in Essex as RGS Colchester welcome Royal Hospital School, Bancroft’s welcome a strong Richard Hale side, Gravesend Grammar travel up from Kent to face Brentwood, and Coopers’ Coborn and New Hall go head to head.
In London things are busy, and in North London there is a side to watch without doubt in the form of Mill Hill. They have been in flying form this year and it is now Merchant Taylors’ that face the challenge of taking them on. Not too far away, UCS welcome Shiplake College. Deeper into London, The Cedars host City of London Freemen’s and Latymer Upper host Harrodian, while in the West Cardinal Vaughan have their annual fixture against Wisbech Grammar, meanwhile Gunnersbury hsot Fulham Boys’, and the outstanding Caterham are on the road at Emanuel.
South East London meanwhile sees some giants involved, Whitgift got back on the horse last weekend and now travel to Chislehurst & Sidcup, while staying in Croydon are Trinity, who welcome Ravens Wood from Kent, Eltham College meanwhile host Colfe’s.
Into Kent the fixtures keep on coming, John Fisher travel out to Langley Park, while rivals Whitgift send a 2nd XV to a strong Sutton Valence side, one of the biggest games will see Eastbourne College travelling to Sevenoaks. Elsewhere, Duke of York’s Royal Military welcome Ashford, with St Lawrence College at Cranbrook and Maidstone Grammar at Sir Joseph Williamson’s.
Skinners’ host Dartford Grammar, that one should be a good game, meanwhile St Oalve’s Grammar host King’s Rochester, and travelling from Kent to Sussex are King’s Canterbury, who line up for what should be a great game at Worth.
There are a couple of great looking fixtures in Surrey as St John’s Leatherhead travel to Reed’s for what promises to be a strong contest. Reed’s great rivals St George’s College Weybridge meanwhile are at Reigate Grammar, for another game that looks like it should be a good even fixtures.
Travelling from Surrey are Gordon’s, they head to KES Southampton, while not too far away are Portsmouth Grammar, who take on Ryde. Look out in Wiltshire for Dauntsey’s, who have been absolutely brilliant so far this season and will look to continue that on Saturday against Pangbourne College. Dorset meanwhile looks busy as Canford welcome Bishop Wordsworth’s for a fixture that is always worth a watch, and in Blandford Forum Clayesmore host Warminster, and Bryanston welcome King’s College Taunton from Somerset for what should be a top game.
Meanwhile in Somerset, King’s great rivals Taunton are hosting Sherborne, while Wells Cathedral and Downside go head to head, and one that looks very tasty sees KES Bath welcome Collegiate from Bristol.
Over in Bristol, meanwhile, Bristol Grammar will look to build on some promising results at home against a strong Pate’s Grammar side, while Clifton High host Rendcomb College, and QEH have a tough home game against a good Prior Park College side.
Gloucestershire sees Wycliffe College and Monkton Combe go head to head in what should be a good one, while St Edward’s Cheltenham welcome the Sir Thomas Rich’s 2nd XV. Meanwhile in Devon West Buckland are at home to Wellington School, that one should be another really tight game of schools rugby.
Saturday Fixtures
Abingdon v RGS High Wycombe
Bablake v Stamford 2nd XV
Bancroft’s v Richard Hale
Bedford Modern v Uppingham
Bishop’s Stortford College v The Leys
Blundell’s v Cheltenham College
Bradford GS v Giggleswick
Brentwood v Gravesend GS
Bristol GS v Pate’s GS
Bryanston v King’s College, Taunton
Campion v St Albans
Canford v Bishop Wordsworth’s
Cardinal Vaughan v Wisbech GS
Cheadle Hulme v Wirral GS
Chislehurrst & Sidcup GS v Whitgift
Clayesmore v Warminster
Clifton HS v Rendcomb College
Colfe’s v Eltham College
Coopers’ Coborn v New Hall
Cranbrook v St Lawrence College
Cranleigh v KCS Wimbledon
Crossley Heath v Altrincham GS
Dauntsey’s v Pangbourne College
Duke of York’s RMS v Ashford
Dulwich College v Bedford
Durham v Ampleforth College
Edinburgh Academy v Dollar Academy
Ellesmere College v Haberdashers’ Adams
Emanuel v Caterham
George Heriot’s v North Berwick
George Watson’s College v Fettes College
Glasgow Academy v Stewart’s Melville
Gresham’s v Felsted
Gunnersbury v Fulham Boys
Hampton v Epsom College
Harrow v Warwick
Jordanhill v Hutchesons’ GS
Kelvinside Academy v Glasgow HS
KES Bath v Collegiate
KES Southampton v Gordon’s
KES Stratford v The Crypt
Kirkham GS 2nd XV v Manchester GS
Lancaster RGS v Barnard Castle
Langley Park v John Fisher
Latymer Upper v Harrodian
Liverpool College v Bolton
Loughborough GS v Wellingborough
Loretto v Bell Baxter
Magdalen College v Bloxham
Malvern College v Kingswood
Merchant Taylors’ v Hutton GS
Merchiston Castle v Strathallan
Mill Hill v Merchant Taylors’
Norwich v Framlingham College
Nottingham HS v Worksop College
Oswestry v St David’s College
Pocklington v Trent College
QEH v Prior Park College
Radley College v Tonbridge
Reed’s v St John’s, Leatherhead
Reigate GS v St George’s, Weybridge
RGS Colchester v Royal Hospital School
Robert Gordon’s College v Glenalmond College
Ryde v Portsmouth GS
Scarisbrick Hall v King William’s College
Sevenoaks v Eastbourne College
Sir Joseph Williamson’s v Maidstone GS
Sir Thomas Rich’s v Dean Close
Skinners’ v Dartford GS
Solihull v Old Swinford Hospital
St Anselm’s College v St Ambrose College
St Columba’s College v QES Barnet
St Edward’s, Cheltenham v Sir Thomas Rich’s 2nd XV
St Leonards v Morrison’s Academy
St Mary’s College v Birkenhead
St Olave’s GS v King’s Rochester
St Paul’s v RGS Guildford
Stockport GS v Lymm HS
Stonyhurst v Mount St Mary’s College
Sutton Valance v Whitgift 2nd XV
Taunton v Sherborne
The Cedars v City of London Freemen’s
The Oratory v St Edward’s, Oxford
Tom Burrow Cup
Trinity v Ravens Wood
UCS v Shiplake College
Wells Cathedral v Downside
West Buckland v Wellington
Windsor Boys’ v London Oratory
Worth v King’s Canterbury
Wycliffe College v Monkton Combe
