A new year, but the same 4 teams vying for top spot in the league phase of the RFU ACE League. After a long break, there will be some cobwebs to blow away as teams take to the field in competitive fixtures for the first time since the 10th of December, but the quality will shine through after another ACE-laiden England camp and a few landmark friendlies since 2026 began.
Round 8 – Wednesday 28th January
Bishop Burton v Loughborough
Loughborough’s loss to Exeter and their delayed fixture against the City of Oxford, which would have been a great game, has left the newest ACE side bereft of fixtures in recent weeks. However, with Bishop Burton still chasing their first win of the season after conceding a home walkover in round 7, the women in purple will still be heavy favourites. Just getting some minutes in the legs will be the goal for both these teams, but Loughborough will be cautious not to slip up as they continue to chase down the top 4, of which they sit just outside.
City of Oxford v Henley College
City of Oxford College are also right up there, looking for a way to crack the talented top 4. Henley are also winless, and their last round also concluded in a home walkover for their opposition on the 10th, high-flying Exeter. Therefore, both the Activate Girls Academy and Loughborough will likely still be in stalement come the end of round 8, and their re-arranged fixture will be crucial for both sides when it is eventually played. Oxford go into this game odds-on if it does go ahead.
Hartpury College v Exeter College
THE game of the round, in no uncertain terms. We finally get to savour the repeat of last season’s final, and Exeter come into the game undefeated. They have 5 players in the final England camp ahead of the Six Nations, and as these players return to the camp fully fit, they will need to be at their best. Hartpury’s early-season defeat to Loughborough has been the only blip on their record, and they have scored over 300 points this season. With Worthing on the horizon for the defending champions, and with the Acorns still trailing Exeter by 3 points in the regular season table, this is a must-win game for both sides. Hartpury’s Women’s SuperBucs side are also at home on Wednesday, so a big home crowd at the 4ED Stadium might well be the difference here in a fixture too close to call.
Newman College v SGS College
Newman played Oaklands last week in a rearranged fixture, and unfortunately, they were on the wrong side of a big scoreline. SGS, before Christmas, were also beaten by Oaklands in commanding fashion. They were both high-scoring fixtures, but SGS managed to take the Wolves closer to the line, so they may well be the side to look out for in this game, despite being on the road. A win here would see SGS jump above the Harlequins side in the table with just two rounds to go – every place matters ahead of the play-offs.
Oaklands College v Worthing College
Oaklands are in great form, picking up two bonus point wins in their last 2 fixtures, including the most recent ACE game, when they put 59 points past Newmans. They are now level in the table with Oxford and Loughborough, although both those sides have two games in hand on the Wolves. However, closing the gap on the top half of the table might be difficult with Worthing College standing in the way. The Harlequins’ star outfit have been outstanding all season, and still have one eye on overtaking Hartpury should results go their way in Gloucestershire. We could have an almighty final round with Exeter still undefeated, but with Worthing still to play, if they can do the job here against a talented Oaklands outfit.
You can catch all the previous rounds’ results and find out the final scores here on the Nextgen Website, or via our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @NextGenRugby.
