This week has seen a huge amount of schools rugby, with the Continental Tyres Schools Cup second round dominating proceedings.
It leads into a busy weekend as well, and a weekend that features some of the biggest derby matches in the school game to wrap up this opening month of the season.
It has been a brilliant month, a fast start to the season that has seen a number of sides make big early statement. The real story of the opening month though has been just how tight it has been, so many games have been decided by a score or less, the tension has been palpable and the excitement, terrific.
Ten to Watch
Our Ten to Watch this week should provide plenty more of that too, featuring knockout games, huge derbies, stadium games, and a couple with real carry-over from the 2023/24 season.
Hampton v Seaford College – Saturday
Always a good game, Hampton arrive with a bit of confidence after a midweek Cup victory that has sent them into the third round. Seaford College meanwhile arrive with huge confidence, they may have lost to Cranleigh last time out but they pushed one of the season’s early pace-setters closer than anyone else has and have won big games against St Joseph’s and Hurstpierpoint College. Both coaching groups know plenty about each other, which makes for an intriguing tactical battle, and both sides will feel it’s a key game. Hampton will want to create some momentum after that victory in midweek, while Seaford face the biggest challenge of their season through the next three weekend’s with Epsom College, the Merchiston Festival, and the St Joseph’s Festival their next three events – they will want to fit that trio in form.
John Fisher v Whitgift – Saturday
One of the biggest derby games in the world, these two Croydon neighbours are giants of the school game. One of the most dominant state rugby schools against one of the most dominant private rugby schools. John Fisher are looking good, winning tight games, and in form against local rivals. Last week they edged Wimbledon College 24-23, in midweek they edged out fellow Croydon rivals Trinity 31-29 in the Cup, they are finding momentum. So too Whitgift, who might only have won one from four but have played some of the best in the country and two of those four were draws. Last week they were flying against Hurstpierpoint College and will arrive with real confidence on Saturday. Despite the heavy rivalry, Whitgift have not lost this game since 2009, John Fisher have come close a few times and will be determined on Saturday, but Whitgift are not going to let that run end easily.
KCS Wimbledon v Wimbledon College – Saturday
No derby game has a smaller distance between the two schools as this one, Wimbledon College might as well warm up and change at their own school and then walk across for kick off, it’s that close. KCS have had the better of things in the last couple of years but historically this one has swayed back at forth. Both arrive off the back of previously mentioned defeats, KCS a tight one in the Cup to Hampton, Wimbledon College a tight one to John Fisher. That tightness of the games is a trend for both though and could set up brilliantly on Saturday. Each has been used to close and tense games this season, if we get another on Saturday it could be spectacular.
Merchant Taylors’, Northwood v Mill Hill – Friday
A huge Friday night game at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium. Mill Hill have become closely aligned with Saracens, which has seen their rugby explode into life in the last couple of years, and means that big games such as Friday’s get the full stadium treatment. They arrive unbeaten and in great form, but so too do their opponents on Friday, Merchant Taylors’, who have had a fantastic start to the season, including a victory in their last Friday night game in a stadium, against St Edward’s Oxford at Iffley Road (see highlights below). It sets up for a fantastic game of rugby, and more importantly an occasion and experience that both sets of players will remember forever.
Millfield v Dilworth, New Zealand – Saturday
Millfield are putting together an incredibly impressive season, victory over Welsh champions Llandovery College, a strong victory over Hartpury College, even stronger against Blundell’s, and then a staggering performance against St Joseph’s College. They are flying, and with one of the toughest three-week stretches on the calendar ahead, Wellington College followed by Clifton College followed by the St Joseph’s Festival, they will want to keep riding that wave of momentum into the storm. They were due to take on Sherborne, however the 1st XV instead see action against a side that only makes this stretch of games look even harder, New Zealand tourists Dilworth. New Zealand schools rugby is famously tough and Dilworth will be a fearsome opponent. More importantly though, it will be an incredible occasion that ought to show some of the very best of schools rugby.
Oakham v Bromsgrove – Saturday
Both sides have been busy with Cup action this week, and it will be Oakham that arrive the happier after it, defeating Trent College on Tuesday to progress to the second round. Their season started slowly with defeats to Rugby and Stowe but a draw last week against a strong Woodhouse Grove, allied to Tuesday’s victory, means they host on Saturday with confidence. Bromsgrove meanwhile had Cup disappointment as their great rivals Warwick took victory on Wednesday, it was back to back defeats for Bromsgrove, who had started the season like a train with a tight win over Warwick followed by a cumulative 100 point scored in their next two games in victory. They will be hoping to return to that form in what is a massive game, and it should make for fascinating viewing.
Oundle v Rugby (Cup Round 1) – Friday
Cup action for these two in Midlands A as they play their opening round game, a home tie against big rivals Uppingham awaits the victor in this one. Oundle actually faced Uppingham last week, losing a tight one. They started the season well though with a strong victory over Bedford. Rugby meanwhile lost to Bedford in the opposite manner, but that was sandwiched between close victories over Oakham and Finborough, making the form guide here a tricky on to call. What is certain though is that in the amphitheatre that is Oundle’s home ground, one of the great 1st XV spots in the country, this game is going to be massive. Knockout rugby always is, particularly when it is two such historic sides. One to watch, for sure.
QEGS Wakefield v Durham – Saturday
This is a massive game, both sides are in great form and both will feel this is their biggest game of the season to date. QEGS have been outstanding, victories over King’s Macclesfield, Hymers College, St Peter’s York, and Grammar School at Leeds. That GSAL victory moved them into the third round of the Cup, they are flying. But so too are Durham, they played their opening Cup game last weekend and were sensational against Newcastle School for Boys, this is a level up though and with Barnard Castle to come next week Durham know that this is a key couple of weeks. Everything points towards a classic encounter.
Sedbergh v Ipswich – Saturday
This was one of the games of the season last year. It was an historic one for Ipswich, who beat Sedbergh in what was the school’s greatest ever rugby result, truly sensational one. Sedbergh had almost spoiled the party though, down and out they rallied in the last ten minutes to come within a score of a stunning turnaround. It didn’t quite happen though, and back on Buskhome this year you can be sure that Sedbergh are going to be determined to avenge that one. They are in brilliant form so far too, with victories over Whitgift, Denstone College, and Clifton College, three top class sides. The going has been tougher for Ipswich with back to back defeats to St Joseph’s College, Northampton School for Boys but they arrested that momentum on Wednesday with a stunning victory over local rivals Royal Hospital School in the Plate, they will now be relishing Saturday’s trip north and it should be a great occasion.
St Paul’s v Radley College – Saturday
Two sides with wonderful rugby history and a great rivalry that seems to swing back and forth with regularity. As has St Paul’s season to date, tough outings against Epsom College and Tonbridge have sandwiched a superb performance against Eton College, they will be eager for more of that Eton performance on Saturday. Radley meanwhile have looked good but are short of games, their opener was a tight defeat to Epsom, but given Epsom’s form that looks a very handy performance, they then followed it up with a brilliant one against Cokethorpe. It has been ten days since then though, so they will hope to arrive still with that momentum. A schools rugby classic.
Around the Grounds
Friday 27th September
Alongside the two games in our Ten to Watch, Friday has some other absolute crackers on the cards. There is a good derby in the North East as Barnard Castle head to Dame Allan’s, both sides looking for a strong performance. Meanwhile across in the North West King’s Macclesfield look to build on their midweek Cup performance with a trip to Sandbach, who are playing some good rugby. Merchant Taylors’ Northwood may be in our Ten to Watch, but their namesakes Merchant Taylors’ Crosby are also in action in a massive game in the North West, with Cheadle Hulme taking them on.
There is a big derby in the South West as St Peter’s Gloucester and The Crypt go head to head in a game that is always produces some magic. Further north Solihull are in action again in a game that is really worth paying close attention to as they host KES Birmingham, one that should tell us plenty about both.
There are a couple of games in the capital on Friday too, with London Oratory hosting Reigate Grammar, a game that should be a cracker – both are looking good so far this season. The other game sees City of London Freemen’s take on Dunottar, a big Friday night game for both.
Friday Fixtures
Dame Allan’s v Barnard Castle
Dunottar v City of London Freemen’s
London Oratory v Reigate Grammar
Merchant Taylors’, Crosby v Cheadle Hulme
Sandbach v King’s Macclesfield
Solihull v KES Birmingham
St Peter’s, Gloucester v The Crypt
Saturday 28th September
Saturday is packed with action all over country, and some massive games too. The north east sees a strong Woodhouse Grove side host RGS Newcastle, who are looking for a bit of form in this one. Always a strong encounter, it should be a good occasion. As should Ampleforth College v Hymers College, these two have had some strong performances early on and will be hoping to make a big statement to round off the opening month.
Harrogate Grammar have been such an improved side in recent years, and this week they take on an historic great in Bradford Grammar, who are scratching around for a bit of form and would love to get the ball rolling on Saturday. Austin Friars meanwhile host an AKS Lytham side that is quietly playing some fantastic rugby at the moment.
To the West, St Ambrose College are absolutely flying at the moment but on Saturday they will have to be at their brilliant best as they host a very strong Grammar School at Leeds side, which should be a fantastic game of rugby. One side that started well but have faced brilliance recently is Scarisbrick Hall, but Scarisbrick themselves have been brilliant elsewhere this year and will hope to be back to that at home to Altrincham Grammar on Saturday.
St Anselm’s College have also been good, they host Manchester Grammar, while there is a fantastic derby game between Stonyhurst and Lancaster RGS on Saturday, one not to be missed. Stockport Grammar and Wirral Grammar meanwhile go head to head, with Birkenhead also travelling from the Wirral to take on Hutton Grammar. Elsewhere, The Grange host Wilmslow High School and Bolton travel to St Mary’s College.
The Midlands has some fantastic games, perhaps none more so that Denstone College’s trip to Mount St Mary’s College. Mount St Mary’s have been outstanding in recent years and this year Denstone look like a very strong side as well. After defeat to Sedbergh last week though, Denstone will want to bounce back quickly. One of the biggest games of the day is the Nottingham derby between Trent College and Nottingham High School, arguably the biggest game of the season for both sides and one that should be a brilliant occasion and a strong game. Over in Leicester, meanwhile, Leicester Grammar host Bablake with both looking for form. Meanwhile Ratcliffe College host Worksop College in a massive game.
Further West, Old Swinford Hospital host Hereford Cathedral, a fantastic matchup, while Princethorpe College head to Bishop Vesey’s Grammar. Riding high from Cup victory over Bromsgrove, Warwick are quickly back in action with another huge game, taking on former Vase champions Samuel Whitbread Academy.
Across in Wales, St David’s College host Oswestry in what should be a competitive game, while going the other way are Christ College Brecon, who travel across for a huge one against RGS Worcester. Also travelling from Wales are Monmouth, who have yet another huge game. This week they take on Sir Thomas Rich’s, who are looking for a big performance. Also travelling from Wales to Gloucestershire are Cathedral School Llandaff, who travel to King’s Gloucester.
Heading out from Gloucestershire are Pate’s Grammar, they are in Bristol to take on QEH, while Clifton High School welcome Stonar. Heading out of Bristol are Bristol Grammar, they are at Prior Park College in a massive fixture for both sides. Meanwhile Collegiate head to Taunton School, another monster of a game. West Buckland meanwhile host Devon’s Exeter School.
A late cancellation means a hastily rearranged fixture for Cheltenham College, it’s a trip to Devon for them with Mount Kelly admirably stepping up to fill the gap. Along the road, Blundell’s host King’s College Taunton in a crucial game for both.
Jumping up to Scotland there are some massive games. George Watson’s College are in wonderful form and have a big game away to Edinburgh Academy, that’s one to watch. Another side setting the pace are, as ever, Merchiston Castle, who are hosting Dollar Academy. You will be seeing plenty of Merchiston on your screens too as NextGenXV will be heading up to the Merchiston Festival on the 12th and 13th October to bring you the action from there live. Elsewhere in Scotland, Robert Gordon’s College host North Berwick High and Dundee High School welcome Bell Baxter.
Back in England, the action keeps on coming. Stamford are one of the early season pace-setters and they are off to a good Bedford Modern side on Saturday. Meanwhile Wellingborough welcome Loughborough Grammar south,
One of the biggest games in East Anglia is Norwich v St Joseph’s College, two of the biggest sides in the region and a great Norfolk vs Suffolk fixture. With the St Joseph’s Festival also coming up live here on NextGenXV, 18th-20th October, St Joseph’s want to get some real momentum going. Wisbech Grammar meanwhile host Langley, and in Suffolk Royal Hospital School look to bounce back from a tough Cup outing when the host RGS Colchester.
Essex sees Brentwood host the ever-impressive Richard Hale, while Coopers’ Coborn welcome North London’s QES Barnet. In and around the capital, UCS head to Colfe’s, while Claremont welcome isleworth & Syon, with Halliford looking to impress in a trip to Latymer Upper.
One of the biggest games in London will be Brighton College’s trip to Trinity. Brighton are playing some great rugby and they will need to keep it up, Trinity haven’t hit peak for yet but this is their biggest game to date and they will be up for it. Tiffin are meanwhile hosting Gunnersbury, while Eltham College welcome Caterham, that one should be a cracker.
Look out also for Ravens Wood, who are looking very very good, they host Gravesend Grammar on Saturday. The Judd also look fantastic and they will look to continue their great form, which includes a tight victory over Ravens Wood, at home to Dartford Grammar on Saturday.
Eastbourne College’s 125th celebrations continue on the road this week, they are at Cranbrook. Skinners’ look to bounce back with a home game against Langley Park, while St Olave’s are hosting The Cedars. Finborough travel from Suffolk to Kent for a big game at Sutton Valence, one to watch.
Worth have a couple of sides in 1st XV action, their 1st XV, who are in great form, host Emanuel, while their 2nd XV travel to take on Lingfield’s 1st XV.
Surrey always seems to have good games and one of the greats this weekend should be at RGS Guildford, who host Hurstpierpoint College for what should be a fantastic game with both sides looking well matched this year. Reed’s meanwhile host a Campion side that is in inspired form at the moment, while St John’s Leatherhead host Sevenoaks, with both looking for a big performance.
Berkshire sees one of the all-time classic schools rugby fixtures as Wellington College host Dulwich College. A decade ago this was pretty much the deciding fixture as to who the best in the country was, it may not be that in this phase of the schools rugby cycle, but it’s a huge game. Wellington College are playing like one of the best sides in the country, as evidenced by last week’s defeat of Harrow (see highlights below), but though Dulwich have had back to back tough outings against Harrow and Brighton College, they know what it takes now against the best, and you can be sure they will test Wellington. Elsewhere, Windsor Boys’ welcome Aylesbury Grammar and Reading Blue Coat, who will be live against Merchant Taylors’ next week, host St George’s Weybridge.
The Oratory welcome Portsmouth Grammar School for what should be a cracker, meanwhile back in Hampshire St Benedict’s are the visitors to Churcher’s College, a game worth keeping an eye on, and Embley host Warminster.
Saturday Fixtures
Ampleforth College v Hymers College
Austin Friars v AKS Lytham
Bedford Modern v Stamford
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar v Princethorpe College
Blundell’s v King’s College, Taunton
Brentwood v Richard Hale
Churcher’s College v St Benedict’s
Claremont Fan Court v Isleworth & Syon
Clifton High v Stonar
Colfe’s v UCS
Coopers’ Coborn v QES Barnet
Cranbrook v Eastbourne College
Dundee High v Bell Baxter High
Edinburgh Academy v George Watson’s College
Eltham College v Caterham
Embley v Warminster
Harrogate Grammar v Bradford Grammar
Hutton Grammar v Birkenhead
King’s Gloucester v Cathedral School, Llandaff
Latymer Upper v Halliford
Leicester Grammar v Bablake
Lingfield v Worth 2nd XV
Merchiston Castle v Dollar Academy
Mount Kelly v Cheltenham College
Mount St Mary’s College v Denstone College
Norwich v St Joseph’s College
Old Swinford Hospital v Hereford Cathedral
Prior Park College v Bristol Grammar
QEH v Pate’s Grammar
Ratcliffe College v Worksop College
Ravens Wood v Gravesend Grammar
Reading Blue Coat v St George’s Weybridge
Reed’s v Campion
RGS Guildford v Hurstpierpoint College
RGS Worcester v Christ College
Robert Gordon’s College v North Berwick High
Royal Hospital School v RGS Colchester
Scarisbrick Hall v Altrincham Grammar
Sir Thomas Rich’s v Monmouth
Skinners’ v Langley Park
St Ambrose College v Grammar School at Leeds
St Anselm’s College v Manchester Grammar
St David’s College v Oswestry
St John’s, Leatherhead v Sevenoaks
St Mary’s College v Bolton
St Olave’s Grammar v The Cedars
Stockport Grammar v Wirral Grammar
Stonyhurst v Lancaster RGS
Sutton Valence v Finborough
Taunton v Collegiate
The Grange v Wilmslow High
The Judd v Dartford Grammar
The Oratory v Portsmouth Grammar
Tiffin v Gunnersbury
Trent College v Nottingham High
Trinity v Brighton College
Warwick v Samuel Whitbread Academy
Wellingborough v Loughborough Grammar
Wellington College v Dulwich College
West Buckland v Exeter School
Windsor Boys’ v Aylesbury Grammar
Wisbech Grammar v Langley
Woodhouse Grove v RGS Newcastle
Worth v Emanuel