This Saturday sees one of the biggest games in global schools rugby as Wellington College host Millfield in a 2.30pm Kick Off, Live here on NextGenXV.
Over the years these two have produced some of the most thrilling sides in schools rugby history, and games against one another have tended to be brilliant – indeed the last three have all been settled by less than a score.
This one promises to be no different, both sides have started the season in superb form, and you will be able to watch every second of the action, plus plenty of build-up, LIVE here on NextGenXV through the NextGenXV YouTube Channel, TikTok Channel, and through the embedded video below.
Millfield have just had the edge recently, winning those three tight encounters in the last three years, however prior to the Covid pandemic it was Wellington College that had the edge, winning five games in six against the Somerset side.
Playing in the Berkshire side’s favour this year is that this fixture very rarely goes against the home side. Indeed in the last decade each side has only won away from home one, Millfield in 2022 and Wellington in 2016. That, and those taking the field on Saturday have enjoyed the rub of the green against Millfield through the age groups, they will hold little of the fear of the famous red, green, and blue hooped shirt that most do.
Millfield will hold little fear either, though, they have that brilliant record over the last three years in this fixture, including last year’s dramatic victory where a try with only moments to go sealed victory (see below).
This season they have perhaps been the best side in the country, certainly close to it, beating Welsh champions Llandovery College and ACE champions Hartpury College, followed by dominant displays against Blundell’s and St Joseph’s College, before an outstanding performance against New Zealand side Dilworth on Saturday. They are absolutely flying.
Wellington College are in superb form themselves though, they have been tested in every game but have come through brilliantly. Their opening game saw them have a big lead against Whitgift disappear, however they showed incredible character and resilience to come back late on to level the scores and open the season with a draw, see highlights below.
Backing that late drama up was more late drama the following week against last year’s best side, Harrow. Holding off a late charge at the line for one of Wellington College’s best victories and a real signal of the quality (see highlights below). The carried on that streak on Saturday with a 38-32 victory over a Dulwich College side that put in their best display of the season.
A best display of the season. That is what is needed to topple Wellington College this season, and it’s exactly what is required to get the better of Millfield too. Both are extraordinary sides boasting the most incredible rugby histories.
Often games are billed as being between ‘giants’ of the school game. There are none bigger than these two there is not a feat that between them has not been achieved, both have produced some exceptional rugby players, from Chris Robshaw and James Haskell to current young tyros like Fin Baxter, Sam Harris, Cassius Cleaves, and Steffan Emanuel, to name but a handful.
It is a huge game, not to be missed, and, if recent history tells us anything, it ought to be a classic.
Wellington College v Millfield: Saturday 5th October, 2.30pm KO | Live on NextGenXV
