As the Christmas break moves right ahead of us, a packed week of fixtures lies ahead as sides try to cram in one last game before signing off for the season.
For the vast majority the weekend was the final emotional outing, but for a number of sides this midweek (and for a few even the weekend coming) represents a final chance to wear the shirt this season, a final chance full stop for the U6th players in each sides.
Being a special week, therefore, it is also a week that is packed with LIVE action here on NextGenLive, with live games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before leading into next week’s Global Schools Challenge – which will be available on www.nextgenlive.stream
Monday sees the annual Border Shield take place LIVE from Sixways Stadium as Malvern College host Hereford Cathedral School, which will on the NextGenLive YouTube Channel and on the embedded video below.
On Tuesday it’s off to Seaford College for the newly instated John Green Trophy, named after outgoing legendary headmaster John Green. They will take on a fresh opponent each year in the fixture, beginning this year with the outstanding Northampton School for Boys. Again that is live on the NextGenLive YouTube Channel and through the embedded video below.
It’s back to Sixways Stadium on Wednesday for the 18th Annual Modus Cup as King’s Worcester and RGSWorcester go head to head in what is always a spectacular occasion. Live on the NextGenLive YouTube Channel and embedded below.
Thursday is a very special day as Gordon’s School host Wellington College across four sports – Football, Hockey, Netball, and Rugby. The first team fixtures across all sports are all available on www.gordonsschool.tv with the Rugby also on the NextGenLive YouTube Channel and embedded below.
That is far from the only action this week though, there is so much across the week – including a spectacular series of knockout games on Wednesday!
Monday 8th December
Sixways Stadium is the venue for Monday’s game, the annual Border Shield as Malvern College host Hereford Cathedral School. It’s set to be a fantastic occasion with some brilliant guests in attendance as well as these two sign off for the season with an evening that should be one of the most memorable rugby experiences that these players have. You can check out our full preview of the game here: Border Shield Preview.
Monday Fixtures
Malvern College v Hereford Cathedral School – LIVE – Border Shield
Tuesday 9th December
On Tuesday the live cameras head to Sussex for a huge game between Seaford College and Northampton School for Boys. It’s for the newly instated John Green Trophy, named after Seaford College headmaster John Green, the former Saracens legend. Green departs the school this year and a big fixture will be played in this slot every year. It’s certainly a huge one to kick off with too, Seaford are a strong side and their opponents, Northampton School for Boys, are right in the mix as one of the best in the country. It should be a special occasion on and off the field, you can read all about it in out preview here: John Green Trophy Preview.
Elsewhere there are so many big games, not least in Cumbria where Sedbergh, one of NSB’s rivals for that best in the country tag, host King’s Macclesfield. Sedbergh are coming off the back of that brilliant performance against Millfield, while King’s Macc are looking to bounce back after defeat to Woodhouse Grove. Ultimately though, this game is about a celebration of rugby and the fantastic achievement of both of these sides this season.
Across in Durham there is another massive game as Durham School host Edinburgh Academy, who make the trip down from Scotland for what should be an incredibly special fixture and a wonderful afternoon. It is another of those fixtures that should live long in the memory for all involved.
The founders of the game round off the term with a special fixture as well, Rugby School welcome Marlborough College with both looking to finish the season on a high after tough outings on Saturday. Both sides will be eager to make this as memorable an occasion as possible, particularly for the U6th who sign off their schools rugby 1st XV careers on Tuesday.
In the South West, Clifton High School make the trip to face Bristol Grammar’s 2nd XV, who will present a stiff challenge, it ought to be a strong game. Meanwhile in Berkshire The Oratory sign off for the season at home against Piggott in what will be a real celebration.
East Anglia has plenty going on this Tuesday, in Cambridge it’s derby day as the excellent The Leys host the underrated Hills Road, it will be another that ought to be a really special occasion as the run out for the final time. Likewise Wymondham College host Langley School, which should be a really competitive game, and in Ipswich Woodbridge welcome Northgate High School, who have been building up to this one with real excitement.
Tuesday Fixtures
Bristol GS 2nd XV v Clifton HS
Durham v Edinburgh Academy
Rugby v Marlborough College
Seaford College v Northampton School for Boys – LIVE – John Green Cup
Sedbergh v King’s Macclesfield
The Leys v Hills Road
The Oratory v Piggott
Woodbridge v Northgate HS
Wymondham College v Langley
Wednesday 10th December
Wednesday is a huge day, the last really busy day of the term and the day will conclude with a massive LIVE game from Sixways Stadium, the annual Modus Cup between King’s Worcester and RGS Worcester. Always a huge game where form goes out of the window, in front of a legion of supporters, and with so much history on the line, it tends to be a classic. This year should be no different and you can check it out in more detail in our preview here: Modus Cup Preview.
It is a massive afternoon in Scotland too, Scottish Schools Cup Finals Day at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Eight games take place across U18 and U16 levels, Cup, Plate, Shield, and Bowl across both age groups. Scottish Gas Murrayfield will host the U18 Cup and Shield and the U16 Cup, while the Hive Stadium (next door) hosts the U18 Plate and the U16 Plate and Shield, meanwhile the Murrayfield back pitches host both Bowl finals.
The flagship U18 Cup sees Strathallan and George Watson’s College meet after fantastic seasons for both sides. Strathallan have been busy, competing at the Merchiston Festival and St Joseph’s Festival, and after this final the fly out to Spain for the Global Schools Challenge, meanwhile George Watson’s were also at Merchiston, albeit with a rotated sides. Both are challenging at the top of the tree in the Scottish Schools and Clubs league too. George Watson’s currently sitting top, but Strathallan could yet move level in January when they face Merchiston Castle in the final game, Merchiston could also move top.
Wednesday’s game should be a cracker, when these two met in September George Watson’s won 27-21, so expect another tight one. George Watson’s won this Cup in 2024 for the 5th time and would love to reach the top of the mountain again, for Strathallan it would be just a 2nd title, having won it first in 2018. History awaits for one of these two. At U16 level it’s a repeat of last year’s U18 final as Merchiston Castle face Stewart’sMelville, who are in a remarkable fourth U16 final in a row.
Over in the Plate, George Heriots and Fettes College meet in the U18 game, a real Scottish Schools classic and one that will be hard to call. The U16 Plate sees St Leonards and St Aloysius’ go head to head. The Shield meanwhile sees Robert Gordon’s College and Dollar Academy run out at Murrayfield in the U18 game, a huge moment for both schools and a memory for life, likewise for the U16s at the Hive, where Edinburgh Academy and Loretto meet in a bit of a derby. Morrison’s Academy feature in both the U18 and U16 Bowls, facing St Columba’s in the U18s and Lomond in the U16s.
It’s a huge day for all involved, an incredible special occasion regardless of result and a memory for life for every single player, coach, and parent. It ought to be a pretty spectacular series of games too.
There is knockout action in England too as the last of the U18 Continental Tyres School Plate and Bowl Quarter Finals take place ahead of March’s semi finals. In the U18 Plate St Benedict’s and Taunton Schoolmeet in a massive game. Taunton are one of the biggest rising forces in schools rugby at the moment, and are a major challenger in this competition, but St Benedict’s are former Cup finalists and, more importantly, have been absolutely outstanding this season. Everything about this points towards a knockout classic.
Likewise in the Bowl, where there are two remaining quarter finals. Bablake welcome Hymers College down from Yorkshire to Coventry. Two strong sides that have had some big performances this year and will be throwing the kitchen sink at this game. Expect a cracker. Equally so in Dorset, where Clayesmore are hosting Hinchley Wood, a huge game on all fronts for both sides and it should be another brilliant contest.
Outside of the knockouts the huge occasions just keep on coming. In the North East of England there’s a special game as Dame Allan’s, who are coming off the back of a wonderful performance at Durham, welcome ACE side Gosforth Academy. Schools vs ACE fixtures are rare, which makes this one a very special fixture indeed with which to sign off for the term.
In Yorkshire there’s another fantastic game as Hill House host Scarborough College. Both have been on the rise of late and are surely going to be real forces in the years to come. It should be a fantastic game and, most importantly, a chance for both to sign off with a performance to look back on with real pride.
On the other side of the country, Merseyside, comes a fantastic fixture – a Merchant Taylors’ derby as Merchant Taylors’ Crosby host namesakes from London, Merchant Taylors’ Northwood. The fixture hasn’t taken place in over a decade, which is only going to make it all the more memorable. A brilliant way to sign off the season. Over in Cheshire, two big games as Cheadle Hulme host Stockport Grammar, which should be a good game, and The Grange host relatively near neighbours Bishop Heber High, which against should be a good one.
Shropshire sees Shrewsbury host St Joseph’s College Stoke, a competitive game looks likely there, meanwhile Newcastle-Under-Lyme welcome Queen Mary’s Grammar, which again ought to be very competitive. Signing off for the season as well are Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby, who welcome KES Five Ways, another good game.
Staffordshire sees a massive game as Denstone College, fresh from that stunning victory over Kirkham Grammar School, welcome a very good Old Swinford Hospital side for what should be a brilliant conclusion to the season for both sides and a game that is not to be missed. Meanwhile further south, Solihull and Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School go head to head in what should be another good game. Heading from the West Midlands to Lincolnshire are Princethorpe College, they found off the season away at King’s Grantham, and it should be a fantastic game on which to finish for both.
Down the A1 to Hertfordshire, Samuel Ryder Academy welcome Katherine Wrington School, while Verulam meet Sandringham in what should be a competitive encounter. Meanwhile in North London Radnor House travel up from Twickenham to face the UCS 2nd XV.
In South East London Eltham College are in action, it has been a busy period for them, they host Westcliff High School, while Fidelis College welcome Latymer Upper. John Fisher are also in action, looking to bounce back from that narrow derby defeat to Trinity as they head to Wallington County Grammar. Meanwhile Riddlesdown Collegiate host Carshalton and Hayes’ 2nd XV host Kent’s Bennett Memorial.
In Kent, The Judd look to quickly respond after a great performance in a narrow defeat to Skinners’, they round off the season with a big game at home to Sir Joseph Williamson’s. Dartford Grammar have had a strong year, they finish off against strong opponents too, in the form of Ravens Wood, a cracking game awaits, while Langley Park are at Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar, which again should be a good game. Meanwhile in Tooting in London, Graveney host Latymer Upper’s 2nd XV.
South West London is pretty busy, and look out for Tiffin v Glyn, a huge game. Emanuel have a big one too, heading out to take on Ibstock Place, meanwhile Grey Court host Orleans Park and Twyford High School face West London Free School. Esher College, meanwhile, are in action away at Wilson’s.
Fulham Boys travel out of London to Surrey to face Royal Alexandra & Albert, that should be a good game. Meanwhile in Berkshire, Claires Court and John Hampden Grammar go head to head.
Oxfordshire is stacked with fixtures on Wednesday, and arguably the biggest is Bloxham v St Peter’s, Gloucester. Bloxham have been magnificent this season, unbeaten since half term and they would love to complete that on Wednesday. St Peter’s won’t make it easy though, they are capable of some outstanding rugby.
Shiplake College round things off on Wednesday too, they host Reddam House in what should be a special final outing in Henley. Meanwhile Burford host Lord Williams’ and Cranford welcome Wallingford.
Kingham Hill host Chipping Norton School, which should be a good fixture, while out in Gloucestershire Marling host Holmeligh Park.
Also in Gloucestershire Wycliffe College, who have had some top performances this year, welcome Wales’ Cathedral School, Llandaff, who are another side capable of some excellent performances. Meanwhile Pate’s Grammar host Cheltenham Bournside, which should be a really competitive game. Travelling out of Gloucestershire are The Crypt, who have had some mighty performances this year. They will be eager for another as they head to Bristol Grammar School, who have been absolutely sensational in some thrilling games this year. An incredible fixture for both on which to sign off, it should be memorable.
There are some good fixtures in Devon, too. Not least at Blundell’s as they host Ivybridge Community College, a real heavyweight clash with which to round off the season and one that will be very hard to call – these are two excellent sides. Also in Devon, Churston Ferrers Grammar host Truro School, who have been excellent again this year, another fantastic game.
Wednesday Fixtures
Bablake v Hymers College (U18 Bowl QF)
Bloxham v St Peter’s, Gloucester
Blundell’s v Ivybridge
Bristol GS v The Crypt
Burford v Lord Williams’
Cheadle Hulme v Stockport GS
Chislehurst & Sidcup GS v Langley Park
Churston Ferrers GS v Truro School
Claires Court v John Hampden GS
Clayesmore v Hinchley Wood (U18 Bowl QF)
Cranford v Wallingford
Dame Allan’s v Gosforth Academy
Dartford GS v Ravens Wood
Denstone College v Old Swinford Hospital
Eltham College v Westcliff HS
Fidelis College v Latymer Upper
George Heriot’s v Fettes College – Scottish Plate Final
Graveney v Latymer Upper 2nd XV
Grey Court v Orleans Park
Habs’ Abraham Darby v KES Five Ways
Hayes 2nd XV v Bennett Memorial
Hill House v Scarborough College
Ibstock Place v Emanuel
King’s Grantham v Princethorpe College
King’s Worcester v RGS Worcester – LIVE – Modus Cup
Kingham Hill v Chipping Norton
Marling v Holmleigh Park HS
Merchant Taylors’, Crosby v Merchant Taylors’, Northwood
Morrison’s Academy v St Columba’s – Scottish Bowl Final
Newcastle-Under-Lyme v Queen Mary’s GS
Pate’s GS v Cheltenham Bournside
Riddlesdown Collegiate v Carshalton
Robert Gordon’s College v Dollar Academy – Scottish Shield Final
Royal Alexandra & Albert v Fulham Boys’
Samuel Ryder Academy v Katherine Warington
Shiplake College v Reddam House
Shrewsbury v St Joseph’s College, Stoke
Solihull v Bishop Vesey’s
St Benedict’s v Taunton School (U18 Plate QF)
Strathallan v George Watson’s College – Scottish Cup Final
The Grange v Bishop Heber HS
The Judd v Sir Joseph Williamson’s
Tiffin v Glyn
Twyford HS v West London Free
UCS 2nd XV v Radnor House
Verulam v Sandringham
Wallington CGS v John Fisher
Wilson’s v Esher College
Wycliffe College v Cathedral School, Llandaff
Thursday 11th December
Thursday brings yet more live action as Gordon’s host Wellington College across multiple sports. NextGenLive will bring coverage of Rugby, Football, Netball, and Hockey between both schools. It’s another rare ACE v Schools game in the rugby, and it could well be a classic. A massive game for both to round off what has been an epic season, and you can read all about it in our preview here: Gordon’s v Wellington College Preview.
It’s a big day overall despite not too many fixtures. In Rutland Uppingham School round off what has been a really strong campaign with a home game against Yorkshire’s Harrogate Grammar School, who are coached by a former Uppingham captain, and one of their best ever players, Tom Ryder. It is a very special fixture, highlighted by this bond between the two schools.
There’s another special independent v state game in Hertfordshire, and a derby to boot, as Haileybury host Richard Hale. Haileybury have had a strong season, but will want to finish in style, that will require a special performance though because, as has been the case over the last few years, Richard Hale have been outstanding this season. It should be a fantastic game.
As should another independent v state fixture, this time in Suffolk as Ipswich School, who have only lost to Northampton School for Boys and Sedbergh this year, and won an epic v Whitgift on Saturday, host Samuel Whitbread Academy. One of the best state sides around and a team that would love to claim a scalp like Ipswich. It should be a fantastic game and a really memorable one with which to sign off for the year for both.
Thursday Fixtures
Gordon’s v Wellington College – LIVE
Haileybury v Richard Hale
Ipswich v Samuel Whitbread
Uppingham v Harrogate GS
