There are not many bigger games on the schools rugby circuit than Wellington College v Harrow, and this Saturday the two will meet in a 2.30pm Kick Off LIVE on NextGenXV.
The game pits one of the most consistent forces in schools rugby, Wellington College, against the dominant side in the school game over the last two years, Harrow. One of the great fixtures in schools rugby, and you can watch it all LIVE through the NextGenXV YouTube Channel and through the embedded video below.
Last season was a classic, Harrow hosted and won in thrilling circumstances 38-31, it was one of the foundation pieces for them en route to an unbeaten season and the Continental Tyres Schools Cup title. With a warm and dry day predicted on Saturday, hopes are that another such encounter might unfold.
It will be a second weekend on the trot for Wellington College on the live stream, after an epic 26-26 draw with Whitgift last weekend (see highlights below). How they react to that will be interesting, they will be annoyed with themselves at having let a first half 21-0 lead slip to a 26-21 deficit, but will be delighted with the character, quality, and composure shown to rally for a score in the final play to level the game. Some of their play was magnificent, and in different areas of the game too – their scrum was truly outstanding, while their counter-attacking play, devastating.
Having had that sort of challenge in their first competitive games of the season will be invaluable heading into this game though, as this will be another massive challenge. It is Harrow’s fourth game of the season, they opened with a defeat to Clifton College in which thirteen players made their debuts and though it might not have been the result they wanted, it was a strong performance that laid the foundation for their next two games that have seen them score over 100 points in total as they beat St George’s Harpenden to progress in the Cup and then Dulwich College last Saturday.
This will be a step up in intensity though, back to the level of that Clifton College opener. For both sides a huge test. Harrow have the momentum in the fixture, securing the victory in the last two 1st XV encounters, and through the age-groups both the U6th and L6th have enjoyed success against their hosts.
However, historically Wellington College have had the better of this fixture, going over a decade unbeaten up to 2017. They also have a 1st XV that is vastly experienced, most of this side played through last year’s 1st XV season and now have 10-15 caps worth of experience across much of the side.
After two such dominant years Harrow could be forgiven for feeling a bit of pressure or drop off, their only defeat in that period was a thrilling Cup quarter final exit to Trinity in 2022. However the current Upper Sixth were unbeaten as U16s, and the Lower 6th weren’t far off that. This is a side with incredible potential. So too Wellington College though, their Upper Sixth won the Continental Tyres Schools Cup as U15s.
Everything points towards an outstanding game of rugby and a brilliant contest. More so than any of the stats or the history though is the style. Both of these two teams want to play, they want to try things, to stretch the pitch, and to entertain. Not for those watching, though that’s a happy by-product, but because it is enjoyable to play that way.
As viewers, we are the lucky ones that get to enjoy the competition, the contest, and the quality. It is an afternoon of schools rugby that is not to be missed.
Wellington College v Harrow: Saturday, 2.30pm KO | LIVE on NextGenXV