Another big weekend of schools rugby awaits following a fantastic opening weekend of this second half of term last time out.
There are some massive fixtures across Friday and Saturday, with plenty of Gallagher Premiership stadia in use as well, including on Saturday when NextGenXV will be live at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium for a full day of action between Mill Hill and Finborough.
The day will see the U14As, U15As, and 2nd XV all take to the field, with their games live streamed at 10.30am, 11.30am, and 12.40pm respectively, ahead of the 1st XV fixture at 2pm. You can watch them all live through the NextGenXV YouTube Channel, and through the embedded video below.
Ten to Watch
Our Ten to Watch includes some fantastic derby games as well as some of the best in the business going head to head, plus some of last week’s best performers as well.
Cheltenham College v Sherborne – Saturday
A huge game between two sides that played fantastically well in defeat last time out. Cheltenham College pushed Millfield all the way on Saturday but just missed out by four points, while Sherborne were even closer in a classic against Marlborough College, going down 34-32. Both will therefore be looking at this game and thinking that there is a real opportunity to build on those performances from last week. Cheltenham have had a brilliant season, only some of the best around have got the better of them, and ahead of their huge live game at Kingsholm next week against Sir Thomas Rich’s, they will want to be on song. This is one of school rugby’s most historic fixtures though, Sherborne will not make it easy.
Epsom College v Brighton College – Saturday
Epsom College’s November is one of the most challenging of anyone in the country, having had games against Harrow and Cranleigh already, two of the best in the country. They lost narrowly in both of those after an unbeaten first half of term, and will be eager to get back to winning ways. They have another mighty challenge on their hands though in the shape of Brighton College, who were excellent at the St Joseph’s Festival before half term and started this half of term off in good fashion last week against St John’s. A massive game between two giants of the game, and two of the best sides in the country this year.
Hampton v Cranleigh – Saturday
Cranleigh are absolutely flying, unbeaten and with back to back victories over Harrow and Epsom College to kick start this second half of term. They have been nothing sort of sensational, but they will have to be again on Saturday when they travel to a Hampton side that is in brilliant form. Only some of the very best in the country have got the better of Hampton this year and on Saturday they came through a nervy old game to edge out Trinity. Now they face another of the best in the country, how they would love to claim a scalp.
Hereford 6th form College v Hereford Cathedral (Apple Cup) – Friday
The Apple Cup, the annual Friday night game between Hereford’s finest – Hereford 6th form College and Hereford Cathedral School. To give you a sense of the size of this game – it is estimated that 2000 tickets will be sold, Hereford RFC will be bursting at the seams. Hereford 6th form College claimed victory last year in a tight game, 14-5, and another tight one is expected this year. Both arrive with confidence too after successful starts to this second half of term. Ultimately this one is all about the experience though – how many schools sides get to play in front of 2000 spectators. There are clubs in the Championship that would bite your hand off that. An awesome occasion.
KES Bath v Kingswood – Friday
Another awesome occasion is going to be Friday’s 7pm kick off at University of Bath between KES Bath and Kingswood, two big Bath rivals and two sides that have been mixing it right at the top end in recent times. KES are unbeaten this season and playing sensational rugby, but this is going to be another level altogether and they will fancy that if they can get through this one, whisper it, the unbeaten season might be on. Kingswood have dropped a couple of games, but against seriously tough opposition in the likes of Cheltenham College and Clifton College. This is a massive game, and a really tough one to call – which makes it all the more exciting. Not to be missed, a brilliant way to kick off the weekend’s action.
Mill Hill v Finborough – Saturday – Live on NextGenXV
As mentioned, Saracens’ StoneX Stadium will host a whole day of action across the age-groups between Mill Hill and Finborough, culminating in that huge 1st XV fixture at 2pm. The whole lot will be live here on NextGenXV from 10.15am, and you can follow it all along on the NextGenXV YouTube Channel. You can check out our full preview of the day and the 1st XV game here: Mill Hill v Finborough Preview.
Old Swinford Hospital v RGS High Wycombe – Saturday
A really big game this between the inaugural John Fisher State Schools Festival champions, Old Swinford Hospital, and the back to back St Joseph’s Festival finalists, RGS High Wycombe. It’s a huge advert for the quality and strength of state schools rugby, and a mighty test for both sides. RGS High Wycombe are looking like on of the best sides in the country at the moment, not only did they reach the St Joseph’s Festival final, but they are also unbeaten and playing on one of the toughest circuits around. Old Swinford Hospital have been brilliant too, pushing an unbeaten Ellesmere College side all the way, and going unbeaten to win that John Fisher Festival, including wins over Ravens Wood and The Judd, side that have troubled some of the best in the county. It promises to be an excellent game.
QEGS Wakefield v Woodhouse Grove – Saturday
Two of the best sides in Yorkshire go head to head in a huge game on Saturday. QEGS are unbeaten in the regular season, only the St Joseph’s Festival has seen them drop a game. Woodhouse Grove have been outstanding as well, only Hill House and GSAL have both the better of them, both in epic contests. They really interesting thing ahead of this one though is that both sides have played one game since the half term break, and it’s been against the same side – Durham. Last Wednesday QEGS won 31-22 against the North Eastern outfit in the Cup, then on Saturday Woodhouse Grove won 25-20. Two incredibly similar scores and margins of victory, which suggests that we could be in for an absolute cracker on Saturday.
RGS Newcastle v Durham – Friday
One of the great games in schools rugby. For a long time this game was held early in September, now it moves to mid-November, but still at the home of Newcastle Falcons, Kingston Park. Tales of Friday nights at Kingston Park are well known and this is set to be another of those – a huge crowd is expected for the 7.30pm kick off. Durham claimed victory last year, breaking a 9 game win streak for RGS in this fixture. Both sides arrive after defeat, but that will only make them all the more determined for this one. It is the sort of game and occasion in which life long memories are made, both on the field and off. One of the great schools rugby occasions – if you’re in the area, buy a ticket!
Uppingham v Rugby – Saturday
Another great occasion as Uppingham host a Celebration of Rugby, a day that begins with an Old Boys game against Stamford, followed by a Prep School game, and then the big 1st XV fixture against the founders of the game, Rugby School. A spirit of real celebration will be in evidence, and a hearty atmosphere as well. On the field, Uppingham arrive with confidence after a strong start to this second half of term away at Gresham’s. Rugby School meanwhile arrive with a real sense of determination. They had a really tough outing at Bromsgrove last time out and will be absolutely smarting from it – expect a big start from the visitors and a performance of real spirit. It should make for, and add to, a brilliant occasion.
Friday 15th November
Alongside those Friday fixtures in our Ten to Watch, there are some another absolute massive fixtures on Friday. Not least the visit of Warwick to Northampton School for Boys. Warwick earned a sensational victory last week against the best side in the county in many people’s eyes, Sedbergh, a victory that moved them into the Top 10 in the NextGenXV Schools Rugby Table. They face another stern challenge this week in the form of Northampton School for Boys, who will be determined after defeat to Mill Hill last time out. One to watch for sure.
There is also Continental Tyres Schools Plate action on Friday as Mount St Mary’s College and Scarborough College go head to head in the North B regional final. A place in the quarter finals is as stake and it ought to be a fantastic contest between two sides that have been playing very well. Along the road Giggleswick are in action, welcoming Yarm down for another that should be a good game.
Meanwhile in Gloucestershire, Wycliffe College are in action at home against Somerset’s Downside, which should be another close game and an exciting contest.
Friday Fixtures
Giggleswick v Yarm
Mount St Mary’s College v Scarborough College (Plate)
Northampton School for Boys v Warwick
Wycliffe College v Downside
Saturday 16th November
On Saturday those big games just keep on coming, including a massive game in Devon where a Blundell’s side that is finding some real form host one of the best sides in the country this year in the form of Clifton College – who will be appearing live on NextGenXV next weekend when they host Irish giants Blackrock College.
Across the county border to Somerset, another of the season’s best sides are in action, Millfield. They host Taunton School in a really interesting game as Taunton have actually beaten a Millfield XV in the Continental Tyres Schools Cup this season. That adds a real level of spice to this one.
Taunton’s neighbours, King’s College Taunton have a big game against QEH, while two Devon sides travel into Somerset, Mount Kelly heading to West Buckland, and Exeter School heading to Wellington College. Meanwhile a strong King’s Bruton side host Monkton Combe, and Wells Cathedral School welcome Milton Abbey.
In Bristol, Collegiate look to build on last week’s performance against Bristol Grammar with a big home game against Prior Park College. Jumping across the border to Wales, Monmouth have been brilliant this season and they will need to be again on Saturday as they welcome a Dean Close side that was in sensational form last week against Malvern College.
Back across in England, Malvern College look to get back on the horse when they head to King’s Gloucester, while not too far away there is a tight looking game between Pate’s Grammar School and The Crypt.
In Wiltshire, Dauntsey’s host Clayesmore in what should be a really interesting game – both have had some huge moments this year, including on Monday for Dauntsey’s when they beat Bishop Wordsworth’s in a huge game. Bishop Wordsworth’s look to bounce back quickly when they host Pangbourne College on Saturday. Over in Dorset, keep an eye on Canford v Seaford College, a game that could be excellent as both sides look to get back on track after defeats last time out.
Hampshire meanwhile sees Portsmouth Grammar welcome Bryanston, that should be a cracking game, while Embley welcome Ryde, which should be another. Lord Wandsworth College meanwhile head into Berkshire to take on Wellington College’s 2nd XV.
In Berkshire itself there is a massive game as Abingdon head to Eton College. Abingdon have had a brilliant start to this second half of term without quite getting the victory they deserve, while Eton came close at St Paul’s last time out. Both will be determined. Meanwhile Reading Blue Coat host Magdalen College and The Oratory look to bounce back from defeat last weekend as they host a Gordon’s side from Surrey that was in fine from last weekend.
Travelling to Surrey to take on the side that Gordon’s defeated last time out, Reigate Grammar School, are Shiplake College. That is another game that should be a really interesting one. Meanwhile Worth look to continue their remarkable unbeaten season with a trip to a strong St George’s College, Weybridge side – keep an eye on events there.
Over in Sussex, Hurstpierpoint College are in action at home to Trinity, Hurst are looking to bounce back from a tough Cup outing against Trinity’s local rivals Whitgift in midweek, while Trinity want to build on an agonising one point defeat to Dulwich last time out. Eastbourne College have been playing some wonderful rugby this season and have a huge game against a good Caterham side this Saturday, while along the road Christ’s Hospital are at home in a big one against City of London Freemen’s.
One of the biggest games of the weekend takes place in Kent as Tonbridge and Dulwich College go head to head. In certain years this is a clash for number 1 spot in the country, and in any year a huge game. Tonbridge pushed Harrow all the way last time out and ought to feel confident as a result, while Dulwich will be looking to bounce back after a tough outing at Whitgift last week. Along the road, Skinners’ impressed last week but will need to be even better again against an RGS Guildford side that was outstanding last time out. Meanwhile Sutton Valence are at home against Cranbrook, and Sir Joseph Williamson’s head to King’s Canterbury.
As ever, it’s a busy weekend in London, with some brilliant fixtures. In the south east, The Judd head in to take on Langley Park, while Eltham College host The Cedars and Colfe’s welcome King’s Rochester. Campion are back at home after a brilliant performance last week, they host a determined John Fisher side in what should be a fantastic game. Chislehurst & Sidcup meanwhile welcome Essex’s New Hall, and St Olave’s Grammar are at home against Maidstone Grammar.
Over in South West London, bang in form Whitgift head to take on St Paul’s, who beat Eton College last time out. St Paul’s are going to have to be at their best though, Whitgift are flying after dominant back to back victories over Dulwich and Hurstpierpoint. In Wimbledon, KCS host Tiffin and Wimbledon College welcome Reed’s, two good games, meanwhile Halliford host Chrucher’s College, who are playing some brilliant rugby, and Cardinal Vaugan head to Claremont Fan Court. St Benedict’s and St John’s Leatherhead go head to head in Ealing, that one should be a fantastic game of rugby.
North London sees Watford Grammar host London Oratory, while UCS welcome Essex’s Brentwood, and over in Essex RGS Colchester welcome Coopers’ Coborn, and Feslted host Ipswich in a massive game for two sides that consistently compete with some of the very best around.
Suffolk Royal Hospital School face Framlingham College in a massive game. Meanwhile St Joseph’s College send a side to Norfolk to take on Gresham’s, meanwhile their 1st XV are involved in a huge game on neutral territory against one of the best teams in the country, Kirkham Grammar School, last year’s Festival champions. That is one to look out for, without doubt. Over in Cambridgeshire, meanwhile, King’s Ely welcome a good Wellingborough side.
Hertfordshire has some massive games this weekend, not least at Haileybury, who were fantastic last weekend against St Edward’s Oxford. They face a superb opponent in the form of Berkhamsted, who have proven themselves so far this year to be one of the best in the country. With a number of players involved with Saracens on both sides, they know each other well, and it should be a huge occasion. Another side in Hertfordshire with plenty of Saracens are St Albans, they have been playing some good rugby and host another side with plenty of Saracens history in the form of St George’s Harpenden. Along the road, the excellent Richard Hale are in action at Bishop’s Stortford College.
Further north at Bedford, Stamford look to keep their stunning unbeaten season going. They have been outstanding all year but will need to keep it up against a Bedford side that played well in defeat to Oakham last time out. Oakham themselves have a massive game this weekend too, looking to back up that victory on an away trip to Oxfordshire against one of the best sides around at the moment, Radley College. Radley won their derby against Abingdon last week, but will want to build on that this week. Also in Oxfordshire are Bromsgrove, who were astonishingly good against Rugby School last week. They will be eager to carry every bit of that momentum into Saturday, where they travel to a Bloxham side that played superbly to edge out Old Swinford Hospital last time out.
Over in the West Midlands, KES Birmingham and Bablake go head to head, while KES Stratford welcome a determined RGS Worcester side. Back in Worcester, King’s Worcester have been one of the top sides this year and they will want to go a step further in confirming that with a big performance at home against Bishop Vesey’s Grammar.
Over in Shropshire, meanwhile, Haberdashers’ Adams host a Scarisbrick Hall side that are among the real positive news stories of the season so far. Meanwhile in Staffordshire Denstone College were brilliant last week in victory over King’s Macclesfield, this week they welcome a Solihull side that has been in good form of late too. It should be a fantastic contest, and another opportunity for Denstone to build momentum ahead of the NextGenXV Global Schools Challenge.
Back east to Northamptonshire, Oundle and Stowe go head to head, two sides that have had some truly outstanding moments this season and that will surely put on a fantastic contest on Saturday in a real classic schools rugby fixture. Leicestershire meanwhile sees Loughborough Grammar host Princethorpe College, while Ratcliffe College host Wisbech Grammar. Leicester Grammar are meanwhile at home against Nottingham High School, while over in Nottingham, Trent College host Yorkshire’s Bradford Grammar.
Yorkshire itself sees Ampleforth College in action against a Mount St Mary’s 2nd XV, owing to their Plate game on Friday, while St Peter’s York are back in action after that epic draw with Barnard Castle last week, they welcome a very strong Grammar School at Leeds side. It’s Yorkshire opposition again for Barnard Castle, who host a good Pocklington side, meanwhile in Newcastle, Austin Friars head to take on Newcastle School for Boys.
Across to the North West, King’s Macclesfield look to bounce back from defeat to Denstone last week, they have a tough home game against a strong Stonyhurst side. AKS Lytham meanwhile have had a good season and will be eager to continue it at home to Bolton, while in Manchester Cheadle Hulme are the visitors to Manchester Grammar and The Grange head to Altrincham Grammar.
On The Wirral, Lancaster RGS visit Wirral Grammar School as Birkenhead School host the Isle of Man’s King William’s College, meanwhile out towards Liverpool, Merchant Taylors’ are at home against St Ambrose College.
Up in Scotland, a fired up George Watson’s College are on the road at Fettes College, while Dollar Academy will be keep for a big performance against North Berwick High. Dundee High host St Andrews’ St Leonards.
Over on the West side, Glasgow Academy host a good St Aloysius’ College, while Glasgow High School make the familiar trip to Hutchesons’ Grammar School.
Saturday Fixtures
AKS Lytham v Bolton
Altrincham Grammar v The Grange
Ampleforth College v Mount St Mary’s College 2nd XV
Barnard Castle v Pocklington
Bedford v Stamford
Birkenhead v King William’s College
Bishop’s Stortford College v Richard Hale
Bishop Wordsworth’s v Pangbourne College
Bloxham v Bromsgrove
Blundell’s v Clifton College
Campion v John Fisher
Canford v Seaford College
Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar v New Hall
Christ’s Hospital v City of London Freemen’s
Claremont Fan Court v Cardinal Vaughan
Colfe’s v King’s Rochester
Collegiate v Prior Park College
Dauntsey’s v Clayesmore
Denstone College v Solihull
Dollar Academy v North Berwick High
Dundee High v St Leonards
Eastbourne College v Caterham
Eltham College v The Cedars
Embley v Ryde
Eton College v Abingdon
Felsted v Ipswich
Fettes College v George Watson’s College
Glasgow Academy v St Aloysius’ College
Gresham’s v St Joseph’s College
Haberdashers’ Adams v Scarisbrick Hall
Haileybury v Berkhamsted
Halliford v Churcher’s College
Hurstpierpoint College v Trinity
Hutchesons’ Grammar v Glasgow High
KCS Wimbledon v Tiffin
KES Birmingham v Bablake
KES Stratford v RGS Worcester
King’s Bruton v Monkton Combe
King’s Canterbury v Sir Joseph Williamson’s
King’s College, Taunton v QEH
King’s Ely v Wellingborough
King’s Gloucester v Malvern College
King’s Macclesfield v Stonyhurst
King’s Worcester v Bishop Vesey’s Grammar
Langley Park v The Judd
Latymer Upper v Fulham Boys
Leicester Grammar v Nottingham High
Loughborough Grammar v Princethorpe College
Manchester Grammar v Cheadle Hulme
Merchant Taylors’ v St Ambrose College
Millfield v Taunton
Monmouth v Dean Close
Newcastle School for Boys v Austin Friars
Oundle v Stowe
Pate’s Grammar v The Crypt
Portsmouth Grammar v Bryanston
Radley College v Oakham
Ratcliffe College v Wisbech Grammar
Reading Blue Coat v Magdalen College
Reigate Grammar v Shiplake College
RGS Colchester v Coopers’ Coborn
Royal Hospital School v Framlingham College
Skinners’ v RGS Guildford
St Albans v St George’s Harpenden
St Benedict’s v St John’s, Leatherhead
St George’s Weybridge v Worth
St Joseph’s College v Kirkham Grammar
St Olave’s Grammar v Maidstone Grammar
St Paul’s v Whitgift
St Peter’s, York v Grammar School at Leeds
Sutton Valence v Cranbrook
The Oratory v Gordon’s XV
Tonbridge v Dulwich College
Trent College v Bradford Grammar
UCS v Brentwood
Wallington County Grammar v Gravesend Grammar
Watford Grammar v London Oratory
Wellington College 2nd XV v Lord Wandsworth College
Wellington School v Exeter School
Wells Cathedral v Milton Abbey
West Buckland v Mount Kelly
Wimbledon College v Reed’s
Wirral Grammar v Lancaster RGS
