The highly anticipated, annual BGS Netball & Rugby 7’s Tournament took place last weekend, when we welcomed 31 teams and over 350 students to our Failand Sports Ground to take part in this an action-packed sporting event.
The atmosphere was electric, as three different tournaments took place across the day, with the addition of girls’ U16 Rugby 7s to the programme for 2026, joining the U18s boys’ rugby and the U19 netball tournaments.
U16 girls' rugby
A three-team competition between BGS, Clifton High and Bromsgrove resulted in BGS beating both teams in the pool stages before contesting the final against Clifton High once again. This match took place on the televised 1st XV pitch and was the first-ever competitive girls’ rugby fixture to be played on our main showcase pitch. BGS performed outstandingly, winning 12–10, with Immy scoring two tries and being named Player of the Tournament. Co-captains Niamh and Maeve were outstanding throughout the day and had the honour of lifting the trophy, presented by Bristol Bears and ex-BGS pupil George Taylor.
U18 boys’ rugby
The U18 boys’ rugby was a fantastic event, hosting 16 teams from across the South West. Captains Kaelan and Michael led the group throughout the day. They narrowly lost to Taunton School in the opening fixture but finished second in their pool after beating Wells Cathedral and Crypt School. They progressed to a semi-final against rivals QEH – a tight game at 12–12 at half-time – but BGS demonstrated great resilience and grit to pull away in the second half and win 26–12. Harry scored two tries, while Alex showed adept kicking skills to chip over the top and gather his own kick. Despite taking an early lead in the final, they unfortunately lost the plate final to Blundell’s School, 25–12. A particular mention goes to Barnaby, who was playing up from Year 11 and was a standout performer on the day.
U19 netball
The netball event saw 12 teams from across the South West and Midlands compete in an outstanding display. BGS’s U18A girls’ team finished third in Group B, winning three of their five matches. The team began confidently with a 17–5 victory over St Mary’s Calne and followed this with a well-fought 8–6 win against Mount Kelly. A dominant 18–3 performance against Clifton High School highlighted BGS’s defensive organisation and attacking control. The two defeats came against strong opposition in Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital and The King’s School, Worcester, who topped the group. Finishing third overall, they narrowly missed out on the playoffs.
BGS Head Jaideep Barot said; “The BGS 7s Tournament is a fantastic showcase of all that we celebrate about sport as a school: collaboration, teamwork, camaraderie and a healthy dose of competition. A big thank you goes to all the families, supporters, players, staff and coaches who made the day such a success”.
NextGenXV commented, “Once again a magnificent day of rugby and netball at Bristol Grammar School, a tournament that is becoming one of the key early staging posts of the 7s season.”
Lots more photos of the day can be found in our photobook: https://issuu.com/bristolgramm... and you can still catch the live recordings of the Rugby and Netball on Youtube @NextGenXV.