Live Rugby: Hurstpierpoint College U18 Sussex Open 7s | Preview

The Hurstpierpoint College U18 Sussex Open 7s takes place this Sunday, as sixteen sides gather in Sussex.

After a stunted start to the short-form season as a result of the weather, the Hurstpierpoint College 7s is set to be a huge moment on the calendar for all sixteen sides. All of the action on the main pitch, including the Cup final, will be broadcast LIVE here on NextGenXV and can be viewed through the NextGenXV YouTube Channel and through the embedded video below.

It is set to be an exciting day, the Hurstpierpoint College U18 Sussex Open 7s has grown significantly since last year, moving from a 12-team tournament to a 16-team event. That also means a change in format, from four groups of three last year there are now four groups of four, with the top teams from each heading to the Cup semi finals, second to the Plate semis, third to the Bowl semis, and fourth to the Shield semis. Unlike last year, losing semi finalists will not face a third place game.

All twelve sides return from last year’s tournament, and they are joined by Seaford College, Gordon’s, and two sides from Brighton College. All three schools are likely to have a big impact on the tournament, such is their pedigree.

Hurstpierpoint College U18 Sussex Open 7s Draw

As reigning champions, Ipswich are in Group 1. They beat Trinity 26-7 in last year’s final to round off a fine day’s play. They face a tough group though, facing the hosts, Hurstpierpoint College, who lifted the Shield last year, last year’s Trophy winners, Caterham, and a Worth side that is coming off the back of one of the greatest fifteen-a-side seasons in their history.

New boys Seaford College will arrive looking to express themselves after the disappointment of losing their annual Seaford Southern 10s to the weather last week. They are joined by last year’s Plate finalists Tonbridge, the Bowl champions Eton College, and a Worthing College side with strong Harlequins links that is expected to be strong.

Group 3 looks loaded, Brighton College make their tournament debut and they are expected to be one of the favourites on Sunday. Alongside them are another new entrant in the shape of Gordon’s, who will send their ‘Boars’ VII not their ACE VII (effectively the school 1^st VII not the ACE side). Two of last year’s veterans complete the group, Bowl finalists Bedford, and Shield finalists Dulwich College, who ended up having an outstanding 7s season last year.

Completing the lineup is Group 4, which included last year’s finalists, Trinity, who will be eager to go one better this year. Joining them are Newman College, who joined the ACE League this year and had the most successful debut season in the tournament’s history. Last year’s Trophy finalists St John’s Leatherhead are also in the group alongside the final new entrants for 2025, the Brighton College 2^nd VII, who may be a 2^nd VII but will be very competitive.

The action will take place across three pitches, with the group games beginning at 10am, and the knockouts beginning at 1.45pm, and they day set to conclude with the presentations at 3.15pm.

The Schedule

Hurstpierpoint College U18 Sussex Open 7s: Sunday 2^nd February, 10am | LIVE on NextGenXV