This weekend is the final full weekend of the term, bringing an incredible season to a close across the majority of schools.
It truly has been a sensational season, the tightness of games between teams on a similar level has been unbelievable. The very best sides around have all been involved in stunning games against one another, while others have emerged too with some schools with smaller rugby set ups really punching above their weight and a real cohort of strong state schools.
This final weekend looks set to be exciting, with action across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, including two live games here on NextGenXV as Wellington College host Brighton College on Saturday and King’s Worcester and RGS Worcester meet for the 17th Annual Modus Cup as Sixways Stadium on Sunday. Both will be available on the NextGenXV YouTube Channel and through the embedded videos below.
This final weekend is about far more than just the games and the outcomes though. For those in the Upper 6ththis is the final chance to pull on the jersey. It is a weekend to remember, a weekend that win or lose should be one that can be looked back with fondness for years to come. For many this is the pinnacle of their rugby lives – take the time to savour that. For those that might go on to greater things, make you teammates pinnacle the best it can be, but also savour the moment – you may never get to play with such freedom again.
That is the beauty of school rugby; it means everything to those involved, and we will see that etched across the faces of every player this weekend, but the fact that ultimately the outcome do not matter too much means that within that desire, desperation sometimes, there is that freedom. Enjoy it, and have a weekend to remember.
Ten to Watch
Our Ten to Watch is certainly going to contain some games to remember – and not just for those involved. There are live games, derby games, and games with unbeaten records on the line. It’s a huge Ten to Watch this week!
Berkhamsted v Dulwich College (Saturday)
Defeat in a madcap back and forth game against Harrow last week cost Berkhamsted their unbeaten record, but they have been one of the Top 10 sides this year and will want to bounce back quickly. Their challenge is a big one though because Dulwich College have really found their form, ending RGS High Wycombe’s unbeaten record in the teeth of Storm Bert, and then enjoying a superb performance in victory last weekend. They are riding a wave of momentum and would dearly love to finish on a high. It should therefore be an absolutely fantastic game of rugby on Saturday.
Bromsgrove v Warwick (Saturday)
A huge derby game between these two great rivals and top end teams. Bromsgrove have been sensational this season, particularly from October onwards and, bar defeat to Millfield a fortnight ago, have been blasting teams away since half term. Warwick are on a similarly impressive run, beating Northampton School for Boys on Wednesday to reach the Continental Tyres Schools Cup semi finals and playing some wonderful rugby through the term. It will be the third time that these two have met this season, Bromsgrove won the first 6-3, Warwick the second 22-11, so it’s honours even heading into the decider. It ought to be a classic.
Cheltenham College v Rugby (Saturday)
A classic fixture in every sense, the founders of the game travelling to one of the very first schools to take the game up. Cheltenham College have had a really strong season, particularly in this second half of term where they started by running Millfield close and have gone unbeaten since. They would dearly love to finish on a real high. Rugby have had a challenging one, and they will want to make a statement in their final away game, they host Paarl Boys on Tuesday, particularly after an agonising Plate quarter final defeat in midweek. Rugby will be hugely motivated, and it should make for a fantastic game of rugby.
Cranleigh v RGS Guildford (Saturday)
The schoolboy rugby nirvana of an unbeaten season is tantalisingly close now for Cranleigh as they host RGS Guildford for their final game of the season. They have been utterly outstanding this season, particularly at the start of this term where Harrow and Epsom College were their opponents inside of a week. They came through that and now RGS are the last opponent between them and the unbeaten dream. RGS have had some big moment, and though they have been in a tricky patch of late they gave Brighton College a huge test last week. Another performance like that and the pressure will be on Cranleigh, and we could have a tense and nervy schools rugby classic on our hands.
John Fisher v Trinity (Saturday)
The second iteration of this Croydon derby this term, John Fisher won the first one in the Cup back in September in an absolute classic, 31-29. Since then Trinity have got steadily better as the season has gone on and have had some really top performances of late. John Fisher meanwhile went on to host the inaugural John Fisher State Schools Festival, a huge moment in schools rugby history. It should be a fantastic derby game, it almost always is, and if it’s anything like September’s game, we are in for a thriller.
Merchant Taylors’ v Bishop’s Stortford High (Saturday) – West Anglia Schools League
The West Anglia Schools League was introduced this year and it concludes on Saturday with Merchant Taylors’ hosting Bishop’s Stortford High. Merchant Taylors’ started with a victory over St George’s Harpenden, before a defeat to St Albans, so victory here would see them conclude the campaign with a positive record in the league. Bishop’s Stortford meanwhile began with a tight victory over The Perse, before a tough outing at St Albans, so they too will be looking at this and thinking it will leave them feeling very positive about the league if the result goes their way. It should therefore make for a classic, and a brilliant way for the inaugural league to conclude.
RGS Worcester v King’s Worcester (Sunday) – LIVE on NextGenXV
Thousands of supporters are set to pack Sixways for the 17th Annual Modus Cup as RGS Worcester and King’s Worcester meet again. The game will be LIVE here on NextGenXV through the NextGenXV YouTube Channel and through the embedded video below, while you can read our full preview of the game here: 17thAnnual Modus Cup Preview.
The Judd v Skinners’ (Friday)
The Ten to Watch begins on Friday as The Judd and Skinners’ go head to head in one of the great state school derbies. Both have been outstanding in recent seasons and have again been brilliant this year, causing some of the top independent schools real problems too. The Judd arrive in good form after a couple of excellent performances, likewise Skinners’, who are actually unbeaten since half term, including an impressive draw with RGS Guildford. It should be a classic, and it is set to be a packed touchline too, with plenty of passion. One to watch for sure.
Wellington College v Brighton College (Saturday) – LIVE on NextGenXV
Two of the best in the country this year, no doubt. These two meet in what is the final game of the term for both, it will be LIVE through the NextGenXV YouTube Channel and through the embedded video below, while you can check out our full preview of the game here: Wellington College v Brighton College Preview.
Worth v Caterham (Saturday)
Worth’s dreams of winning every game this season might have been ended last week in a draw at Churcher’s College, but the unbeaten dream lives on. They host Caterham on Saturday and then meet King’s Gloucester in the Vase quarter finals on Tuesday, so there is some careful squad management to be done amidst the ambition, but this outstanding group has shown all season that they can rise to any challenge. Caterham will be a challenge though, and with this being their final game of the season they are going to want to leave a lasting memory – and what better memory than being the first side to beat Worth. It should be a fantastic game.
Friday 6th December
Friday looks like being an outstanding day, and right up there among the great fixtures is the winners of the John Fisher State Schools Festival, Old Swinford Hospital, hosting Denstone College, in what is Denstone’s final game before heading off to the NextGenXV Global Schools Challenge at Grey College in South Africa, live on RugbyPass TV with highlights here on NextGenXV. It should be an epic game, and one that will mean everything to both side.
There is a battle of the Cathedral Schools on Friday too as Hereford Cathedral School and Cathedral School Llandaff go head to head in a great Anglo-Welsh battle. Meanwhile Bablake welcome KES Stratford, and there’s a great head to head in Devon too as Mount Kelly welcome Plymouth College.
Friday Fixtures
Bablake v KES Stratford
Hereford Cathedral School v Cathedral School, Llandaff
Mount Kelly v Plymouth College
Old Swinford Hospital v Denstone College
Saturday 7th December
Into Saturday, and a bumper day of fantastic action. In the North East of England, Kirkham Grammar School head to RGS Newcastle, it’s been a funny season for Kirkham – they have been outstanding, but a couple of key results going against them has left them a little unheralded, they will want to make a statement. So will RGS though, at home for the final time and keen to show the best of themselves. Durham have also had a good season, and head to take on a Dame Allan’s side that has shown some excellent performances over the term as well.
In Yorkshire, meanwhile, Ampleforth College look to finish off a really exciting season in style away at Giggleswick, who will equally want a big performance to sign off with. St Peter’s York have also been superb through much of the year, they are in action at home to Pocklington.
A little further south, Mount St Mary’s College and Barnard Castle go head to head, these two have both had some brilliant moments this season and while they may not always have had the consistency, they have shown often enough that they can put in superb performances – which could make for an outstanding game. Trent College are meanwhile at home against Worksop College, which should be cracking game too.
Out to the West and Lancashire, AKS Lytham have been outstanding this year, they host Birkenhead, meanwhile Bolton School welcome The Grange. In Manchester, St Ambrose College, who have been brilliant at times take on Manchester Grammar School.
One of the biggest games in the north west is Woodhouse Grove’s trip to King’s Macclesfield, these two have had some outstanding teams over the year and have put in some great shifts this term. Saturday should be a fantastic game. Meanwhile Cheadle Hulme and Lymm High School go head to head, to sides that know a thing or two about an exciting performance.
In and around Liverpool, Liverpool College welcome the outstanding Scarisbrick Hall, while Merchant Taylors’ are at home against Wirral Grammar School, a massive one for both sides. Over on the Wirral, St Anselm’s College, fresh from that epic midweek Plate win over Rugby School, host Stockport Grammar, and after Wednesday expect that to be a bouncing atmosphere.
Futher South, Haderdashers’ Adams and an in form Sandbach side meet in a huge game for both, while Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby welcome King Henry VIII, Coventry. Look out also for Princethorpe College’s game at home to Nottingham High School.
Solihull welcome Sir Thomas Rich’s, which should be a really cracking contest between two good sides. Meanwhile in Sir Thomas Rich’s native Gloucestershire, Wycliffe College host Westonbirt, and Kingham Hill host Rendcomb College.
Across in Oxfordshire Dean Close, who have been absolutely outstanding of late, make the trip from Gloucestershire to take on Bloxham. That one really should be a fantastic game. In and around Oxford, Abingdon and Bedford go head to head, two sides that have really found form in the second half of term and that will be looking to put in a massive final display here. Another impressive side in the area have been Radley College, they have been superb this year and will be eager to show the best of themselves at home for the final time against a Marlborough College side that is going to be in seriously determined mood after a tough game last week.
Magdalen College meanwhile have been quietly excellent this season, they finish up with a massive game at home against a St Benedict’s side that has been one of the form sides of the last few weeks, playing some stunning rugby. A cracking game awaits. In Henley there should be a good one too as Shiplake College welcome Pangbourne College to their superb 1st XV ground.
Over in Berkshire, Eton College round off the campaign at home to Bishop Wordsworth’s, it should be a pretty even and exciting contest. The Oratory meanwhile face a big game at home against Windsor Boys’, The Oratory really have had some magical moments this year, meanwhile Reading Blue Coat and Aylesbury Grammar meet in what should be an excellent game of rugby.
Up in Northamptonshire, Northampton School for Boys look to bounce back from Cup defeat in midweek as they host a Stowe side that is also looking to bounce back after defeat to Uppingham last time out. It should be a fantastic game, at their best both are outstanding teams. Heading from Northamptonshire are Oundle,they head up to an Oakham side that has grown and grown as this season has gone on and are starting to look really formidable. It’s an old rivalry, and expect a cracking game. Another rival of Oakham’s, Stamford, look to conclude what has been an outstanding season in style as they host Felsted. They will have to be at their sharpest though, Feslted arrive in great form after a brilliant performance against St Joseph’s last time out.
Down in Bedford, the excellent Mill Hill are the visitors to Bedford Modern, and are looking to make a statement after a narrow defeat to St Albans last time out. Meanwhile in Hertfordshire St Albans have a massive game themselves, hosting Haileybury, who are going to be determined to finish well – it should be one of the games of the day. Bishop’s Stortford College are meanwhile at home to Royal Hospital School, and St Columba’s College travel down to take on UCS.
Up in Norfolk, Norwich look to build on last week’s derby victory over Gresham’s with a big performance over a good Finborough side, who will also be looking for a big finale. Meanwhile Wisbech Grammar will be welcoming King’s Ely. In Suffolk Culford have the tricky task of welcoming The Leys, who have been simply outstanding of late and would love a huge performance to conclude the season with, they have been one of the quiet giants of the year.
In Essex, meanwhile, RGS Colchester welcome The Perse, which should be a good one, while New Hall host a good Framlingham College side. Coopers’ Coborn meanwhile welcome Brentwood.
Things are busy in London too, and in the South East lies one of the biggest of the day as Whitgift host Ipswich. Whitgift had an agonising Cup result in midweek, drawing 10-10 with Harrow, but with Harrow progressing. They will therefore be doubly determined on Saturday, and as one of the form sides in the country that could mean a huge performance. Ipswich will have to be on their mettle, but after a good performance in the Plate, they will be up for it. Along the road, Langley Park welcome Gravesend Grammar, while the excellent Ravens Wood are at home against Dartford Grammar.
Out in Kent, Sutton Valence host King’s Canterbury, while the Isle of Man’s King William’s College are on tour for a fantastic occasion at King’s Rochester. On the edge of London, Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar host St Olave’s Grammar, always a fantastic occasion.
Plenty of Kent sides head to Sussex this weekend, and perhaps the biggest of those fixtures will be Seaford College v Tonbridge, two sides that have had moments of brilliance this season and that have been far better than overall results suggest – the difficulty of their fixture lists is astonishing. It should be one of the games of the day, two fantastic sides looking to finish on a high. Also heading from Kent to Sussex are Sevenoaks, they head to Eastbourne College, who are going to be looking to sign off their 125th rugby anniversary season in style. Duke of York’s Royal Military, who have had a good year, are the final side to travel to Sussex from Kent, they take on Christ’s Hospital.
Hurstpierpoint College meanwhile welcome South West London’s Epsom College, who for a long time were the season’s pace-setters. It’s a huge game for both teams, Hurst would love a huge performance against a big team, while Epsom College would love to finish with a big statement. One to watch. Epsom’s local rivals St John’s Leatherhead are off to Hampton, who have been another one of the season’s quietly outstanding sides, they have put in some top displays. Along the road at Tiffin, Reigate Grammar School are the visitors, while Halliford are at home against a very good St George’s Weybridge side.
St Paul’s have had their moments this year, and will be eager for one of them to be on Saturday at home against a London Oratory side that has also had some big moments, not least of which being last week. City of London Freemen’s welcome Colfe’s, while Claremont Fan Court host Latymer Upper.
In Wimbledon, KCS host Reed’s in what is usually a great game and should be again on Saturday, KCS’ local rivals Wimbledon College are meanwhile at Emanuel, while Dunottar host Wallington County Grammar.
Out in Hampshire, it’s derby day as KES Southampton host Portsmouth Grammar School, both sides have had some real highs this season and would love to conclude on a big one this Saturday. Over in Wiltshire, the excellent Dauntsey’s, who really have had a season to remember, host a Lord Wandsworth College side that has also been absolutely terrific.
Across in Dorset, Sherborne v Canford feels like a massive game for both sides in the overall context of their seasons. Clayesmore meanwhile look for a big finish against Wellington School, while Bryanston welcome an in form Exeter School over from Devon.
Over in Devon, Blundell’s welcome Taunton School for what should be a fantastic game of rugby to sign off on, meanwhile back in Taunton, King’s College Taunton are at home against Bristol Grammar. Prior Park College meanwhile will want a big performance to sign off on, and will need one as they host a KES Bath side that has been one of the teams of the year and has seen defeat just once all season. Wells Cathedral meanwhile welcome King’s Bruton, in what looks like a good game. Over in Bristol, Collegiate look to put in a big performance as they welcome Gloucestershire’s Pate’s Grammar School.
Up in Scotland, Merchiston Castle look to bounce back from Cup final defeat with a big performance at Peebles High School, while Robert Gordon’s College host St Leonards in a big one and Glenalmond College welcome Dundee High School.
There is also an Anglo-Scots clash as the excellent Loretto welcome the Sedbergh 2nd XV, that should be a really fantastic game, while over on the west coast, Hutchesons’ Grammar are at home against Marr College, a massive game for both, and Glasgow High School welcome St Aloysius’ College. There is also more exciting action in Scotland on Sunday below…
Saturday Fixtures
Abingdon v Bedford
AKS Lytham v Birkenhead
Bedford Modern v Mill Hill
Bishop’s Stortford College v Royal Hospital School
Bloxham v Dean Close
Blundell’s v Taunton
Bolton v The Grange
Bryanston v Exeter School
Cheadle Hulme v Lymm High
Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar v St Olave’s Grammar
Christ’s Hospital v Duke of York’s Royal Military
City of London Freemen’s v Colfe’s
Claremont Fan Court v Latymer Upper
Clayesmore v Wellington School
Collegiate v Pate’s Grammar
Coopers’ Coborn v Brentwood
Culford v The Leys
Dame Allan’s v Durham
Dauntsey’s v Lord Wandsworth College
Dunottar v Wallington County Grammar
Eastbourne College v Sevenoaks
Emanuel v Wimbledon College
Eton College v Bishop Wordsworth’s
Giggleswick v Ampleforth College
Glasgow High v St Aloysius’ College
Glenalmond College v Dundee High
Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby v King Henry VIII Coventry
Haberdashers’ Adams v Sandbach
Halliford v St George’s Weybridge
Hampton v St John’s, Leatherhead
Hurstpierpoint College v Epsom College
Hutchesons’ Grammar v Marr College
KCS Wimbledon v Reed’s
KES Southampton v Portsmouth Grammar
King’s College, Taunton v Bristol Grammar
King’s Macclesfield v Woodhouse Grove
King’s Rochester v King William’s College
Kingham Hill v Rendcomb College
Langley Park v Gravesend Grammar
Liverpool College v Scarisbrick Hall
Loretto v Sedbergh 2nd XV
Magdalen College v St Benedict’s
Manchester Grammar v St Ambrose College
Merchant Taylors’ v Wirral Grammar
Mount St Mary’s College v Barnard Castle
New Hall v Framlingham College
Northampton School for Boys v Stowe
Norwich v Finborough
Oakham v Oundle
Peebles High v Merchiston Castle
Princethorpe College v Nottingham High
Prior Park College v KES Bath
Radley College v Marlborough College
Ravens Wood v Dartford Grammar
Reading Blue Coat v Aylesbury Grammar
RGS Colchester v The Perse
RGS Newcastle v Kirkham Grammar
Robert Gordon’s College v St Leonards
Seaford College v Tonbridge
Sherborne v Canford
Shiplake College v Pangbourne College
Solihull v Sir Thomas Rich’s
St Albans v Haileybury
St Anselm’s College v Stockport Grammar
St Paul’s v London Oratory
St Peter’s, York v Pocklington
Stamford v Felsted
Sutton Valence v King’s Canterbury
The Oratory v Windsor Boys’
Tiffin v Reigate Grammar
Trent College v Worksop College
UCS v St Columba’s College
Wells Cathedral v King’s Bruton
Whitgift v Ipswich
Wisbech Grammar v King’s Ely
Wycliffe College v Westonbirt
Sunday 8th December
Sunday sees the Modus Cup take place, but it also sees a massive game in Scotland as Fettes College welcome South African tourists Paarl Boys High. Paarl Boys are one of the great teams in South African Schools rugby and will be a seriously strong outfit, but Fettes are one of the great names in Scotland too. It should be a wonderful occasion, and a stunning way to round off the season’s action.
Sunday Fixtures
Fettes College v Paarl Boys High
