Over the first weekend of the October Half Term, the U14, U15, U16 and U18 rugby teams showcased their talent and determination at prestigious festivals and tournaments across the country. In an outstanding display of skill and spirit, every team reached the final of their respective competition — with two sides lifting trophies.
U14s Triumph in Inaugural Home Festival
Making their mark, our U14s won the first-ever Bedford School Rugby Festival, which involved a number of opposition teams, including Trinity College, Wellington College and Northampton School for Boys (NSB). The competition was fierce, but Bedford rose to the occasion with a series of impressive performances.
In a thrilling final on the 1st XV pitch, Bedford faced NSB in a high-quality contest that showcased skill and determination from both sides. Backed by an enthusiastic home crowd, Bedford delivered a fitting finale to secure victory and claim the title at their inaugural tournament.
U15s Claim First Langley Tournament Title
The U15s enjoyed a superb weekend at the Langley School U15 Rugby Tournament, held over 18 and 19 October. After topping their group on day one with wins over Wellington College, John Fisher School and Advantage Academy, Bedford continued their momentum on Sunday, drawing with Ipswich School and defeating Dame Allan’s to reach the Cup Semi-Final.
In a dramatic semi-final against Oakham, Bedford mounted a fantastic comeback to reach their third consecutive Cup Final in this prestigious competition. Facing Ipswich once again, the boys delivered a composed and disciplined performance, scoring two well-worked tries in the first half and defending resolutely to seal a memorable 14–5 victory — and the school’s first-ever Langley title.
U16s Battle to the Final
The U16s demonstrated resilience and quality throughout their tournament, progressing strongly to the final. Despite a valiant effort and some superb passages of play, Bedford were narrowly beaten by a single try against NSB — a reversal of the U14 result earlier in the weekend. Their performance was full of promise and determination, reflecting the team’s continued growth and fighting spirit.
U18s Fall Just Short in a Tight Contest
Our U18s impressed with an unbeaten run through the pool stages at the Eltham College Festival, conceding just one try in three matches thanks to an outstanding defensive record. This earned them a place in the final against St John’s Leatherhead. In a tense and closely fought encounter, Bedford conceded only their second try of the tournament — but it proved decisive, as St John’s edged the contest by the narrowest of margins.
Three Bedford Boys Make Impact in Saints Academy Wins
Three boys from our First XV — Lower Sixth Former Oliver and Upper Sixth Formers Raff and Kai — helped secure victories for the Northampton Saints Academy against Sale over the half term.
Both Saints’ U17 and U18 sides achieved impressive wins, with Oliver making a strong impact for the U17s in their 54–33 victory over Sale Sharks. The U18s followed suit with a 67–40 win, featuring a try from our First XV captain Kai and a powerful performance from Raff in the forwards pack.
