The 2023 St Joseph’s Festival takes place this weekend and it looks set to be another epic tournament, as it so often is.
Arguably the greatest challenge in the school game, the St Joseph’s Festival is an intense two day challenge for the sixteen sides that enter. With three group games on Saturday and three knockout games on Sunday for every side.
Nothing can compare newcomers for the St Joseph’s Festival, it is an experience on and off the field unlike anything else in schools rugby. The atmosphere created is ferocious. Past pupils, parents, interested locals, and current pupils of the St Joseph’s College line the touchlines. When their team takes to the field it is a moment that raises the pulse, and it never settles again until the tournament is over.
On the field it is equally ferocious, the short and sharp nature of the games means teams have to be on it constantly. 12 minutes each way on Saturday and 10 each way on Sunday, there is no room to grow into a game. Points are at a premium, the aim of the game is to get on the scoresheet good and early. From there the plan is easy, make the opposition play out from deep. Conversely if you do go behind, particularly by more than one score, caution has to be thrown to the wind.
Even more intense is if there is no early score, then it is like playing the last ten minutes of a regular game – except it is the whole game. The tension ramps up quickly, the nerves are high, heart rates too, but the rugby, somehow, always remains impeccable. That need to score almost forcing sides to play with an adventure that excites all that watch.
That’s before we even get into knockout rugby.
The St Joseph’s Festival is an experience unlike anything else in the school game. No other fifteen-a-side competition comes close to matching the intensity, drama, and history of the competition. It is, quite simply, the most magical weekend of schools rugby.
As well as this preview, be sure to listen to the NextGenXV Podcast this week, where Angus Savage and Sam Howard preview the 2023 St Joseph’s Festival.
Live Streaming
Every single game will be broadcast LIVE here on NextGenXV, you will be able to watch all the action on the NextGenXV YouTube Channel, and through clicking on the embedded videos below for both pitches on both days.
The Teams
Sixteen teams compete in total, fourteen of whom competed last year including champions Millfield, Plate winners Wellington College, and Shield winners Whitchurch High School, along with former champions Brighton College, Dulwich College, QEGS Wakefield, RGS High Wycombe, RGS Newcastle, and of course the hosts, St Joseph’s College. Also competing are last year’s 3rd place side Denstone College, the 2019 finalists Kirkham Grammar, and Scotland’s Strathallan.
Joining those fourteen are two newcomers, Cheltenham College, who also competed in 2021, and Blundell’s, who make their first Festival appearance.
You can see a full breakdown of the teams, their history, and their form in our St Joseph’s Festival Team by Team Guide.
The Format
The sixteen sides are split into four groups of four teams each on Saturday, and throughout Saturday’s group stages they will play in 24 minute games, 12 minutes per half with a three minute half time.
The Top 2 from each group will then head to Sunday’s De La Salle Trophy quarter finals, while the Bottom 2 from each will head to Sunday’s Bowl quarter finals. Group 1 sides will meet Group 3 sides and Group 2 sides will meet Group 4 sides.
Winners of the Trophy quarters will reach the Trophy semi finals, while losers will go to the Plate semi finals, meanwhile in the Bowl the winners will head to the Bowl semi finals and losers to the Shield semi finals. All semi final losers will head to a third place play off.
The fixtures on Sunday are twenty minutes long, ten minutes each way, but don’t let that lure you into thinking that sides have it easy. The St Joseph’s Festival is an incredible challenge, the short length of games on adds to the intensity, defences cannot afford to slip up, attacks have to be sharp, the intensity is often the schoolboy equivalent of last weekend’s Rugby World Cup semi finals in Paris.
The Contenders & The Draw
Group 1: Hampton, QEGS Wakefield, Trinity, Whitchurch High
Group 2: Cheltenham College, Kirkham Grammar, RGS High Wycombe, Wellington College
Group 3: Blundell’s, Brighton College, Denstone College, Strathallan
Group 4: Dulwich College, Millfield, RGS Newcastle, St Joseph’s College
The beauty of the St Joseph’s Festival is that the competition is fierce each and every year, and the length of the games only adds to that. An early score and suddenly an upset is on the cards, an upset occurs and suddenly a group is turned upside down, or during Sunday’s knockouts the whole dynamic of the knockouts changes.
At the outset probably half a dozen sides feel they have a strong chance of lifting the De La Salle Trophy, maybe more, but all sixteen sides will feel that in a one off game they can beat any of the others – do soe against one of the favourites and suddenly you are a contender yourself and have the confidence that can carry you all the way through.
Millfield naturally start as one of those favourites, the have won 8 titles at the Festival, including the last two in a row. A third would make them only the second side to do so after Colston’s twenty years ago. They are going to be up against it right from the off in Group 4, a Dulwich College side playing their best rugby for a while are in their group, so too 2018 champions RGS Newcastle who might just fancy the weather conditions coming at us, and of course the hosts, St Joseph’s College, who are having their best season in years and can count on an army of support that never fails to elevate their performance levels – it is magical to watch.
Brighton College are another big contender, unbeaten so far this season and on one of the toughest circuits around. They too face challenges in their Group 3, Strathallan come down from Scotland as the only side to have stopped the runaway train that is George Watson’s from winning, and Scottish schools have been in good form against the English this year as we saw in pre-season and at the Merchiston Festival. Also providing a challenge are Denstone College, 3rd last year and likely to revel in the expected conditions as well. Keep an eye on Blundell’s too in that Group, playing glorious rugby this season and potential dark horses on their Festival debut.
Group 2 has contenders all over the place. 2019 champions Wellington College are always a big contender, they are playing wonderful rugby and have a depth of squad that few can rival. They will need it though because the group is brutal. Kirkham Grammar School arrive unbeaten and looking for a maiden title here after reaching the final against Wellington in 2019 – they have never failed to make the Trophy knockouts. Also unbeaten are RGS High Wycombe, champions in the ‘90s and contenders for much of the decade that followed, they are a big contender this year and another that may find joy in the likely conditions and short length of games. Cheltenham College round off the group and in any other group they would be confident of a Top 2 finish given their form, in this group anything could happen – and Cheltenham could earn results against anyone.
It’s a similar story in Group 1, Hampton, QEGS Wakefield, Trinity, and Whitchurch High School could all easily take points off one another. Hampton and QEGS have bags of tournament know-how and have won titles, Trinity barely need knowhow – reaching the final almost instantaneously upon joining the Festival. Whitchurch High have plenty of tournament know-how too, having been a part of the Festival for a few years, and after a good start to the season in the competitive and physical Welsh National Conference A (the top school league in Wales), they are maybe as well prepared as anyone for the challenges that await – keep a close eye on Whitchurch.
What’s New
On field, not too much in the U18s. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. There will be giant big screens that should give everyone a great view of the action – and that, for the hardy, will be showing South Africa v England at 8pm on the Saturday.
There is change elsewhere though, on Saturday and U11s Festival will take place, a Round Robin competition taking place in an allotted slot around lunch and a showcase final in the afternoon. Similarly on Sunday an U12s Festival will be taking place along the same format.
St Joseph’s College’s Anthony O’Riordan said: “We are thrilled to solidify the inclusion of our U11s and U12s into the National Schools Rugby Festival. It never ceases to amaze me the ambition that our young men have to play for St Jo’s 1st XV. Our environment fosters a genuine desire to be part of the best of the College; ‘The Festival’ being a clear highlight for our pupils to aspire to. Amongst a plethora of other opportunities, this weekend is a chance to expose our pupils to ‘The Festival’ in preparation for what I hope will be the core of our senior rugby group in years to come.”
“Our vision for the U11 and U12 festival is to ensure that the seed is not only planted but watered and fed. We want our community aspiring to reach the peak throughout their College journey, not just in the moment.”
St Joseph’s U11s will be joined by Felsted, Woodbridge, and Hadleigh RFC, while the U12s will be joined by local clubs Stowmarket, Colchester, and Felixstowe.
The Schedule
Day 1
| Time | Pitch 1 | Pitch 2 |
| 09.30 | Trinity v Whitchurch High (1) | QEGS Wakefield v Hampton (1) |
| 10.00 | RGS High Wycombe v Kirkham GS (2) | Cheltenham v Wellington College (2) |
| 10.30 | Denstone College v Blundell’s (3) | Brighton College v Strathallan (3) |
| 11.00 | St Joseph’s College v Dulwich College (4) | Millfield v RGS Newcastle (4) |
| 11.30 | U11 Round Robin | U11 Round Robin |
| 11.50 | U11 Round Robin | U11 Round Robin |
| 12.10 | U11 Round Robin | U11 Round Robin |
| 12.30 | Trinity v QEGS Wakefield (1) | Whitchurch High v Hampton (1) |
| 13.00 | RGS High Wycombe v Cheltenham (2) | Kirkham GS v Wellington College (2) |
| 13.30 | Denstone College v Brighton College (3) | Blundell’s v Strathallan (3) |
| 14.00 | St Joseph’s College v Millfield (4) | Dulwich College v RGS Newcastle (4) |
| 14.30 | U11s Final Showcase | |
| 15.00 | Trinity v Hampton (1) | Whitchurch High v QEGS Wakefield (1) |
| 15.30 | RGS High Wycombe v Wellington (2) | Kirkham GS v Cheltenham College (2) |
| 16.00 | Denstone College v Strathallan (3) | Blundell’s v Brighton College (3) |
| 16.30 | St Joseph’s College v RGS Newcastle (4) | Dulwich College v Millfield (4) |
Day 2
| Time | Pitch 1 | Pitch 2 |
| 09.00 | Bowl QF 1: 3rd Pool 1 v 4th Pool 2 | Bowl QF 2: 3rd Pool 2 v 4th Pool 1 |
| 09.30 | Bowl QF 3: 3rd Pool 3 v 4th Pool 4 | Bowl QF 4: 3rd Pool 4 v 4th Pool 3 |
| 10.00 | Trophy QF 1: 1st Pool 1 v 2nd Pool 2 | Trophy QF 2: 1st Pool 2 v 2nd Pool 1 |
| 10.30 | Trophy QF 3: 1st Pool 3 v 2nd Pool 4 | Trophy QF 4: 1st Pool 4 v 2nd Pool 3 |
| 11.00 | U12 Round Robin | U12 Round Robin |
| 11.20 | U12 Round Robin | U12 Round Robin |
| 11.40 | U12 Round Robin | U12 Round Robin |
| 12.00 | Shield SF 1: Bowl QF 1 & 3 Runners Up | Shield SF 2: Bowl QF 2 & 4 Runners Up |
| 12.30 | Bowl SF 1: Bowl QF 1 & 3 Winners | Bowl SF 2: Bowl QF 2 & 4 Winners |
| 13.00 | Plate SF 1: Trophy QF 1 & 3 Runners Up | Plate SF 2: Trophy QF 2 & 4 Runners Up |
| 13.30 | Trophy SF 1: Trophy QF 1 & 3 Winners | Trophy SF 2: Trophy QF 2 & 4 Winners |
| 14.00 | U12 Final Showcase | |
| 14.15 | Shield 3rd Place Play Off | |
| 14.45 | Shield Final | Bowl 3rd Place Play Off |
| 15.15 | Bowl Final | Plate 3rd Place Play Off |
| 15.45 | Plate Final | Trophy 3rd Place Play Off |
| 16.15 | De La Salle Trophy Final |
The History
De La Salle Trophy Winners
| 2022 Millfield | 2021 Millfield | 2020 Cancelled |
| 2019 Wellington College | 2018 RGS Newcastle | 2017 Brighton College |
| 2016 Cranleigh | 2015 Hampton | 2014 Millfield |
| 2013 St Joseph’s College | 2012 Millfield | 2011 Dulwich College |
| 2010 St Joseph’s College | 2009 John Fisher | 2008 SGS Filton College |
| 2007 SGS Filton College | 2006 Millfield | 2005 SGS Filton College |
| 2004 Millfield | 2003 Colston’s | 2002 Colston’s |
| 2001 Colston’s | 2000 Blackrock College | 1999 RGS High Wycombe |
| 1998 Colston’s | 1997 QEGS Wakefield | 1996 Colston’s |
| 1995 St Joseph’s College | 1994 Colston’s | 1993 Millfield |
| 1992 Bradford Grammar | 1991 Bradford Grammar | 1990 Millfield |
| 1989 AKS Arnold | 1988 Bradford Grammar | 1987 Downside |
The history of the festival is extraordinary, seventeen sides have won the Festival including ten of this year’s sixteen competitors. In 2014 Millfield levelled Colston’s record six Festival titles, before breaking that record in 2021 and then extending it in 2022 as they became the first side to win two in a row since SGS Filton College in 2007 and 2008, now they bid to become the first to win three in a row since Colston’s in 2001, 2002, and 2003.
Only St Joseph’s College in the current field have won more that once, they have earned titles in 1995, 2010, and 2013. How they would love, ten years on from that last title, to earn another.
Recent Plate Winners
| 2022 Wellington College | 2021 Kirkham Grammar | 2020 Cancelled |
| 2019 Millfield | 2018 Hampton | 2017 QEGS Wakefield |
| 2016 Hampton | 2015 Denstone College | 2014 Brighton College |
| 2013 Portsmouth Grammar | 2012 RGS High Wycombe | 2011 Bedford |
Bowl Winners (Introduced 2021)
2022 Hurstpierpoint College, 2021 RGS High Wycombe
Shield Winners (Introduced 2021)
2022 Whitchurch HS, 2021 St Joseph’s College
Since the introduction of the Bowl and Shield in 2021 the Plate has been elevated from a competition from the bottom 8 teams after Day 1 to being for the 5th-8th teams (losing Trophy Quarter Finalists) on day 2, which has seen Wellington College and Kirkham Grammar school win silverware.
Across the Plate, Shield, and Bowl, along with the Trophy triumphs, all but three of the sides competing this weekend have won silverware – and this is Blundell’s first attempt and only the second each for Cheltenham College and Strathallan.
Player of the Tournament
| 2022 Josh Bellamy (Trinity) | 2021 Jonny Smith (Brighton College) | 2020 Cancelled |
| 2019 Phil Brantingham (RGS Newcastle) | 2018 Dan John (Millfield) | 2017 Toby Smith (Brighton College) |
| 2016 Marcus Smith (Brighton College) | 2015 Roman Malin-Hiscock (Hampton) | 2014 Zach Mercer (Merchiston Castle) |
| 2013 Dan Lewis & Lewis Ludlam (St Joseph’s) | 2012 Sam Denham (Millfield) | 2011 Max Northcote-Green (Millfield) |
| 2010 Alex Day (St Joseph’s) | 2009 Chris Smart (Bedford) | 2008 Jonathan Joseph (Millfield) |
| 2007 Luke Plummer (Filton) | 2006 Ryan Manyika (Brighton College) | 2005 T Parker (Millfield), O Crosby (St Joseph’s) |
| 2004 W Harries (Millfield School) | 2003 Olly Morgan (Millfield) | 2002 S Crowley (Millfield) |
| 2001 M Burton (Colston’s) | 2000 G Noonan (Blackrock College) | 1999 Nick Duncombe (RGS High Wycombe) |
| 1998 A Lloyd (Colston’s) | 1997 Andy Goode (Bromsgrove) | 1996 E Smithies (QEGS Wakefield) |
| 1995 C Jack (St Joseph’s College) | 1994 M Pitt (Campion) | 1993 R Jones (Millfield) |
| 1992 P Mitchell (Wellington College) |
Since 1992 each year a Player of the Tournament has been named, and looking through those names you get a sense of just what an incredible opportunity this is to see some of the great stars of the game before anyone else knows of them.
From current England’s Rugby World Cup squad members Marcus Smith and Lewis Ludlam, to a man who just missed out in Zach Mercer, to stars of the future like Josh Bellamy, Dan John, and Phil Brantingham.
Stars of the past too, Jonathan Joseph, Andy Goode, the late, great, Nick Duncombe, and current Cheltenham College head coach Olly Morgan to name just a few. The St Joseph’s Festival has seen some astonishing individuals and teams throughout the years.
No doubt this year will be the same, in what is likely to be one of the most competitive and highest quality St Joseph’s Festivals that there has been.
