It is the penultimate weekend of the season for most, and with that means a weekend of real emotion for so many, with a huge number of players playing their final home games of their school careers.
That final home game is special, school 1st XV pitches are often older and more historic than some of the most storied rugby grounds in the world, including Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. The 1st XV shirt a symbol of that history. Wearing it at home for the final time makes each and every player feel very much a part of that history.
Rugby instils so many incredible values, honour and integrity perhaps chief among them, and while throughout life young players will see others fail in those values, they perhaps have the best chance of living up to them, able to fall back on this sport that relies so heavily upon it.
These last few weeks of the season are so special in part because we see the fruition of all of that, on field and off field, coming together in an expression of joy and competitiveness.
Competitive is certainly going to be the word to describe this weekend, there are some absolutely fantastic fixtures across the country. An emotional and exciting weekend of schools rugby lies in wait.
Ten to Watch
Our Ten to Watch this week encapsulates that with some fantastic fixtures, including some of the best around going head to head, and some key local rivalries as well. A weekend to remember lies in wait.
Clifton College v Seaford College
The penultimate game of the season for Clifton College as they look to bounce back from last week’s defeat to the outstanding Blackrock College. They host a Seaford College side that is full of confidence, unbeaten this side of half term and almost untouched as well. It will be a massive challenge for the visitors, Clifton are one of the best in the country having defeated the likes of Wellington College and Kirkham Grammar, but Seaford will believe in themselves here. For Clifton it’s about showing that form as they aim to finish the season with a real bang.
Harrow v Berkhamsted
A rotated Harrow side lost out to Trinity last weekend, just two days on for their dreams of emulating Dulwich College with three Continental Tyres Schools Cup titles on the spin were ended by Epsom College in an amazing game. They are wounded, and beware a wounded animal – particularly one as good as this Harrow side. Berkhamsted are well-equipped to handle the response though. They arrive following back to back big victories and are playing some outstanding rugby this term. They will feel they can do some damage. This is Harrow’s final game of the term, though, they are going to be a level beyond determined – it’ll take something special to stop them, especially as this will be legendary Director of Rugby James Melville’s final game in charge after two Continental Tyres Schools Cups, Rosslyn Park titles at multiple age-groups, and an unbeaten season in 2023, among other achievements. It is going to be an emotional day.
KCS Wimbledon v St John’s, Leatherhead
These two have been incredibly impressive this year, among the very best on their circuits and in the south west London area. Perhaps not technically a derby but, given performances this year, it feels like one. KCS have been outstanding, only two big beasts have got the better of them, Mill Hill and Epsom College, they have been utterly formidable this season. St John’s have also been magnificent, only Epsom, RGS High Wycombe, and Hampton getting the better of them, RGS and Hampton by less than a score, they also won the Epsom College Festival, they have been flying. This is their last game of the season, too, they are going to be incredibly motivated. Looking at their respective results v Epsom, these two are incredibly closely matched. It should be a fantastic game of rugby.
Kingswood v Sir Thomas Rich’s
Two sides that are absolutely flying this year and that simply demand consideration as being among the best around. Kingswood have only been defeated by Radley and King’s Worcester this year, two brilliant sides, since then they have been untouchable, winning four on the spin and crossing the 50 points mark in three of those. Sir Thomas Rich’s have been outstanding as well, only the brilliant Clifton College have beaten them and in the last week they earned a dramatic last-gasp victory over a brilliant Cheltenham College side at Kingsholm before defeating Sherborne to reach the Continental Tyres Schools Cup quarter finals. These are two utter giants going head to head, and a sensational game awaits us. Perhaps even season defining. It’s not to be missed.
Radley College v Sherborne
Radley College are one of the best sides in the country, only Cranleigh have got the better of them and they have bounced back to win four on the spin and earn a place in the Continental Tyres Schools Cup quarter finals against Epsom College. They are outstanding. However Sherborne are perhaps this season’s big surprise, they have had their ups and downs but the ups have been huge, two victories over Millfield, a run to the Continental Tyres Schools Cup regional finals, they have been one of the stories of the season. Will Sherborne have another of those draw-dropping Saturday’s this weekend, or will this relentlessly brilliant Radley College side march on? Either way, it’s not to be missed.
Stewart’s Melville v Merchiston Castle
Both Stewart’s Melville and Merchiston Castle will have been gutted to lose out in Cup semi finals, however there is plenty yet to compete for this season and Saturday’s Scottish Schools and Clubs Open competition fixture is certainly a major one. George Watson’s College are top of the table and face Ayr, the best performing of the club sides in the league, should they slip up then the possibility is there for Merchiston Castle to leapfrog them with victory, or even a draw. There’s a slim chance for Stewart’s Melville too, who are four points behind George Watson’s. It is a massive game in that context, then, but also just as it is two of Scotland’s finest sides going head to head in what is the penultimate game of the term for both.
Uppingham v Stowe
It is a first outing since heart-breaking defeats for both of these sides. Uppingham return to The Leicester after a brave performance in the Continental Tyres Schools Cup, in defeat to Campion. Stowe meanwhile lost out in a tight game against the exceptional Mill Hill last week. Both sides will be eager to get straight back on the horse ahead of a huge end of term for both, including a trip to NSB for Stowe and games against Stamford and Harrogate Grammar for Uppingham. Each side has been impressive this season, Uppingham having one of their best campaigns in many a year while Stowe have been so reliable all year. It sets up for a classic on Saturday.
Warwick v Rugby
After a first defeat this century to rivals Solihull last week, Warwick are going to be in determined mood to Saturday. Beware a wounded Warwick, too, if you are Rugby, because when they turn it on they are brilliant as seen in their defeat of Northampton School for Boys a fortnight ago. Rugby School will have to be sharp, then, and they too are going to be in determined spirit after a last-gasp defeat last time out to Hurstpierpoint College, in a game broadcast LIVE here on NextGenLive. At times they were brilliant there and if they can bring that form and Warwick bring their best, they Saturday is going to be a spectacular game of rugby.
Whitgift v Epsom College – Friday
What a game this is set to be, under the lights on Bigside this Friday evening. When NSB got the better of Whitgift last weekend it was their first defeat since September. Only Wellington College and Sedbergh had got the better of them. To topple Whitgift you have to be one of the best in the country. Epsom College arrive with exactly that sort of status, one cemented in last week’s Cup defeat of back to back champions Harrow. Only a brilliant Radley College side, whom they met again in the Cup next week, have got the better of them. So this is a massive game, two of the very best in the business going head to head – and going at it just a few days before crucial Cup quarter finals in which, if victorious, the reward will be a semi final against one another. It could be part one of a two-part tale that defines the season. A huge game.
Woodhouse Grove v St Peter’s, York
Woodhouse Grove are flying right now, since Cup defeat to QEGS at the start of the month they have won three on the spin, including getting their own back on QEGS. They head into this clash absolutely bouncing. So too St Peter’s, though, only Barnard Castle have got the better of them since half term and even that was an incredibly tight one. Most compellingly ahead of this one though is that these two have already met, back in early October Woodhouse Grove won 39-24 to knock St Peter’s out of the Cup. So in theory they are the favourites, but the hosts know only to well, having done it to QEGS themselves, the motivation of getting your own back. It could just be a classic therefore.
Friday 28th November
Friday is a busy one, with sides looking to back in big occasions ahead of the end of term. Loughborough University sees Loughborough Grammar host a Solihull side that is absolutely bursting with confidence after last week’s historic victory over Warwick.
In the North West Merchant Taylors’ and Calday Grange Grammar meet in what should be a fantastic game of rugby, meanwhile in the South West Bristol Cathedral School host Sidcot, another that should be very close. Over in Buckinghamshire Sir William Borlase’s and Great Marlow meet in a great fixture as term heads towards a close.
There are three big games in the South East, Thanet Wanderers hosts Simon Langton Grammar vs St Lawrence College, a huge Kent derby, meanwhile in Amersham Dr Challoner’s Grammar host Wimbledon College, which should be a fantastic game. Over at Ealing Trailfinders a fantastic game as UCS and London Oratory go head to head, and what a head to head it should be.
Friday Fixtures
Bristol Cathedral v Sidcot
Dr Challoner’s GS v Wimbledon College
Loughborough GS v Solihull
Merchant Taylors’ v Calday Grange GS
Simon Langton GS v St Lawrence College
Sir William Borlase’s GS v Great Marlow
UCS v London Oratory
Saturday 29th November
On Saturday, as ever, the fixtures come in thick and fast. There are some great ones in the North East too, with Barnard Castle, who have been fantastic this year, hosting RGS Newcastle, who are so keen to head into the end of the season on a high. Also travelling from Newcastle, Newcastle School for Boys, who head to take on Sedbergh’s 3rd XV, no mean feat.
Two Yorkshire sides are up in the North East, Ampleforth College head to Dame Allan’s for what should be a great contest, meanwhile the excellent Durham, who have been superb this year, welcome a Scarborough College side that has definitely been punching above its weight.
Down in Yorkshire itself Hymers College welcome Pocklington, a good even game can be expected there, while in Nottinghamshire Trent College welcome a good Wellingborough side up from Northamptonshire.
In Northamptonshire itself, Oundle have a huge game against the outstanding Bromsgrove, who have really turned it on as the season has built. Meanwhile in Rutland Oakham have a bit of a derby against Stamford, two sides that have pulled out some fantastic performances over the course of the season.
Over on the other side of the Midlands, Princethorpe College host KES Stratford, and there is a cracking game at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar as they welcome KES Birmingham.
North to The Wirral, where St Anselm’s College welcome Ellesmere College, who have been so brilliant this season – that should be a great game. Meanwhile there is also a derby on the peninsula as Wirral Grammar School welcome Birkenhead, there will be plenty of eyes on that one. On the other side of the Mersey, St Mary’s College welcome down Lancaster RGS from Lancashire, while back in Lancashire a huge game as AKS Lytham welcome the superb Scarisbrick Hall.
In and around Manchester, Manchester Grammar welcome Lymm High, while should be a good game, while Altrincham Grammar take on Sandbach. St Ambrose College meanwhile host Cheadle Hulme, two sides that have played some lovely rugby.
Bolton School travel to take on the Isle of Man’s King William’s College, always such a fun fixture, meanwhile back in Cheshire The Grange host Stockport Grammar School.
Back south to Oxford, where St Edward’s Oxford host Lord Wandsworth College, two sides that really have been fantastic this year and that deserve real praise for their efforts and their rugby. Over in Buckinghamshire, the formidable RGS High Wycombe welcome a tricky opponent in the form of Merchant Taylors’, who play some great rugby. Meanwhile Aylesbury Grammar School welcome Shiplake College, a game that was last year’s Davies Shield fixture, it will be a cracking game.
Berkshire has a couple of games, including the huge Wellington College v Tonbridge fixture, a game that in certain years is the very biggest of the season. Wellington College are one of the best teams in the country, perhaps the best, after all only Millfield and Clifton College have beaten them and they responded to defeat to Millfield by beating them in the St Joseph’s Festival final and bounced back from defeat to Clifton, by a point, to defeat Sedbergh last week. Tonbridge have been a good side this year, not on Wellington College’s level but capable of much and they will be hoping that from their own desire to bounce back from defeat and capitalising on any tiredness from Wellington after two huge back to back games that they can spring a surprise. It should be compelling. Also in Berkshire is a game between two sides that love their fixture against one another as Pangbourne College welcome The Oratory, two sides that at their best can play some devastating rugby. Eton College meanwhile are in action at home against a Trinity side that must be almost skipping into this one, such should be their confidence after beating Harrow last time out.
Over in Hertfordshire, meanwhile, a massive game as Haileybury host Bedford, two sides that over the season have had some sensational performances and outstanding results. It will be a massive test for them both, making it all the more compelling for the viewer. Dipping into North London, one of Hertfordshire’s best, St Albans, are at Mill Hill, a game that has become a real derby in recent years with both sides producing so many Saracens academy players, it should be a feisty and exciting one. Meanwhile QES Barnet and Watford Grammar School are also in action, two sides that also know Saracens well.
In Hertford itself, the ever-brilliant Richard Hale host St Columba’s College, it has been another exceptional season from Richard Hale, who are getting so much right. Their local rivals St Edmund’s College are on the road at Bishop’s Stortford College, which should be a good game.
Up in Cambridge, The Leys, who have had another fantastic year, welcome Culford, while The Perse also welcome Suffolk opposition in the form of a good Framlingham College side. Meanwhile also in Cambridgeshire are King’s Ely, who welcome Royal Hospital School, which ought to be a cracking game.
Up in Norfolk, a fantastic derby as Gresham’s welcome Norwich School, two great sides that have produced the likes of the Youngs brothers and Freddie Steward. It is always an epic occasion when these two meet and Saturday should be no different.
Down in Suffolk, Ipswich have a huge game against the Merchiston Festival champions, Finborough, it should be a feisty and competitive game. As should, along the road, St Joseph’s College vs Felsted, two excellent teams very used to competing right at the top end. Over in Felsted’s native Essex, New Hall welcome RGS Colchester, expect a close game there.
Over in East London one of the countries brightest sparks this year, Campion, who are into the Continental Tyres Schools Cup quarter finals and absolutely flying. They welcome Bedford Modern to town, for what should be a strong game. Down in South East London, meanwhile, Eltham College have two sides in 1st XV action, their 1st XV are hosting St Olave’s Grammar, while in the 2nd XV welcome Dunottar’s 1st XV, it should be a pair of strong games.
John Fisher meanwhile face a strong Ravens Wood side, expect another cracking contest there, while out in Kent there are some huge games, not least the brilliant Skinners’ hosting Sir Joseph Williamson’s, the equally brilliant Duke of York’s Royal Military hosting King’s Canterbury, and Sutton Valence’s trip to Colfe’s. Not to mention the outstanding Maidstone Grammar, who really have been brilliant, they have a very tricky trip to Dartford Grammar to contend with.
Over in Sussex, some huge games, chief among them Cranleigh’s trip to Hurstpierpoint College. Hurst are surely still riding the wave of that epic last-gasp victory over Rugby School last week in their 100 years of rugby at Hurst fixture, while Cranleigh are looking to get back on the horse ahead of the end of the season after a run that has seen them draw, lose, and then face abandonment, they will be keen for a big game. Elsewhere, Worth host Churcher’s College, another that should be an excellent game between two good sides. As should Eastbourne College v Christ’s Hospital, both have been really good at times this year, Christ’s Hospital having one of their best season’s in many a year.
Back in London, a massive game at St Paul’s as they welcome Dulwich College, two sides that have found their best form of late and that suggests a real show on Saturday between two of the most prestigious sides in the country. It’s far from the only game in South and South West London, Halliford host Windsor Boys’ in what should be a good game, while Latymer Upper welcome Claremont Fan Court. Tiffin are at home against a St Benedict’s side that has, at times, produced some glorious rugby. Meanwhile Hampton welcome Reading Blue Coat, expect a competitive game there.
Out in Surrey, RGS Guildford and Brighton College go head to head, two very good sides that have had some excellent result. With huge games to come next week, both will be keen to ensure momentum through this one. Caterham welcome Kent opposition, in the form of Sevenoaks, that should be a good game, while St George’s Weybridge are at home against Emanuel. Out in Hampshire, KES Southampton host Embley, which promises to be a strong game.
In Wiltshire the excellent Dauntsey’s are at home against a Bristol Grammar side that has had some great moments this year. Meanwhile one of the biggest games of the weekend sees Marlborough College, who will be so keen to finish the year on a high, host Cheltenham College, who have genuinely been so good all season, and who will be eager to bounce back from last gasp defeat at Kingsholm last time out.
Over in Cheltenham’s native Gloucestershire, King’s Gloucester are at home against the superb Bloxham, an excellent game awaits, meanwhile Stonar take on Rendcomb College. Heading out of Gloucestershire are The Crypt, they head to Hereford Cathedral School, which should be a good test for the hosts ahead of the Apple Cup.
Down in Somerset, a huge derby awaits as the outstanding Taunton School head to local rivals King’s College Taunton for what ought to be a fantastic game. Meanwhile King’s Bruton welcome Prior Park College, and Wells Cathedral host Westonbirt.
Millfield are in Wales to take on Monmouth, two giants of each nation going head to head. Meanwhile back in Somerset Monkton Combe host Clayesmore and Wellington School host a KES Bath side that is going to be in very determined spirit.
West Buckland meanwhile host Devon’s Exeter School, and down in Devon it’s a huge game for Blundell’s as they welcome Canford.
To finish off this week’s preview, it’s up to Scotland, and Edinburgh Academy, where they host Loretto in what is a game between two real heavyweights. Dundee High School have been excellent this year, they host Dollar Academy, and also excellent this year are Robert Gordon’s College, who host Glenalmond College. St Leonards meanwhile welcome Linlithgow Academy.
Saturday Fixtures
AKS Lytham v Scarisbrick Hall
Altrincham GS v Sandbach
Aylesbury GS v Shiplake College
Barnard Castle v RGS Newcastle
Bishop’s Stortford College v St Edmund’s College
Bishop Vesey’s GS v KES Birmingham
Blundell’s v Canford
Campion v Bedford Modern
Caterham v Sevenoaks
Colfe’s v Sutton Valence
Dame Allan’s v Ampleforth College
Dartford GS v Maidstone GS
Dauntsey’s v Bristol GS
Duke of York’s RMS v King’s Canterbury
Dundee HS v Dollar Academy
Durham v Scarborough College
Eastbourne College v Christ’s Hospital
Edinburgh Academy v Loretto
Eltham College 2nd XV v Dunottar
Eltham College v St Olave’s GS
Eton College v Trinity
Haileybury v Bedford
Halliford v Windsor Boys’
Hampton v Reading Blue Coat
Hereford Cathedral v The Crypt
Hurstpierpoint College v Cranleigh
Hymers College v Pocklington
Gresham’s v Norwich
Ipswich v Finborough
John Fisher v Ravens Wood
KES Southampton v Embley
King William’s College v Bolton
King’s Bruton v Prior Park College
King’s College, Taunton v Taunton School
King’s Ely v Royal Hospital School
King’s Gloucester v Bloxham
Latymer Upper v Claremont Fan Court
Manchester GS v Lymm HS
Marlborough College v Cheltenham College
Mill Hill v St Albans
Monkton Combe v Clayesmore
Monmouth v Millfield
New Hall v RGS Colchester
Oakham v Stamford
Oundle v Bromsgrove
Pangbourne College v The Oratory
Princethorpe College v KES Stratford
QES Barnet v Watford GS
RGS Guildford v Brighton College
RGS High Wycombe v Merchant Taylors’
Richard Hale v St Columba’s College
Robert Gordon’s College v Glenalmond College
Sedbergh 3rd XV v Newcastle School for Boys
Skinners’ v Sir Joseph Williamson’s
St Ambrose College v Cheadle Hulme
St Anselm’s College v Ellesmere College
St Edward’s, Oxford v Lord Wandsworth College
St George’s Weybridge v Emanuel
St Joseph’s College v Felsted
St Leonards v Linlithgow Academy
St Mary’s College v Lancaster RGS
St Paul’s v Dulwich College
Stonar v Rendcomb College
The Grange v Stockport GS
The Leys v Culford
The Perse v Framlingham College
Tiffin v St Benedict’s
Trent College v Wellingborough
Wellington College v Tonbridge
Wellington School v KES Bath
Wells Cathedral v Westonbirt
West Buckland v Exeter School
Wirral GS v Birkenhead
Worth v Churcher’s College
