Cuppers Finals Day 2026

Magdalen vs New in last year's Cuppers Final

Cuppers Finals Programme:

12:00	Men*s Bowl - Saints vs LMH/Catz/Trinity/Hugh's
14:00	Men*s Plate - Keble/Merton-Mansfield vs PembWadLincoln
16:00	Women*s Cuppers - Castle vs Turl
18:00	Men*s Cuppers - St Edmund Hall vs Magdalen/Hilda's

Cuppers Finals Day returns as the showpiece of Oxford college rugby, with four standout fixtures promising a high-quality end to the season’s competition. With college pride, silverware, and bragging rights all on the line, the stage is set at Iffley Road for a memorable day on Saturday 9^th of May.

Men*s Bowl - Saints vs LMH/Catz/Trinity/Hugh's - 12pm KO

Saints bring a direct, physical approach and will look to dominate the gainline through their forwards. LMH/Catz/Trinity/Hugh’s rely on energy and organisation, staying competitive through strong defensive work and speed from their backs. Discipline and set-piece stability could prove the difference in what should be a close contest.

Men*s Plate - Keble/Merton-Mansfield vs PembWadLincoln - 2pm KO

Keble/Merton-Mansfield will look to control this through their forward pack, using the set piece to build pressure. PembWadLincoln, however, thrive in a faster, more open contest and will aim to move the ball quickly and stretch the defence. The breakdown battle should be decisive, with territory and tempo likely to determine the outcome.

Women*s Cuppers - Castle vs Turl - 4pm KO

The Women’s Final sees Castle, a clustered team of Worcester, Pembroke, St Peter’s and Somerville, take on Turl, a combination of Jesus, Lincoln, Brasenose, Regent’s Park and Exeter, in another compelling matchup. Both teams have shown impressive cohesion and attacking intent on their way to the final. Castle have combined strong defensive organisation with a willingness to play expansively, making them a difficult side to break down while still posing a threat in attack. Their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack could be key. Turl’s women, however, have demonstrated consistency and composure throughout the tournament. With a well-drilled structure and confidence in possession, they’ll look to control territory and apply sustained pressure.

Men*s Cuppers - St Edmund Hall vs Magdalen/Hilda's - 6pm KO

In the Men’s Final, St Edmund Hall face Magdalen/St Hilda's in what looks to be a finely balanced contest. Both sides have come through some tough matches to reach the final, showing resilience as well as attacking quality. Magdalen/St Hilda’s have built their campaign on physicality and structure. Their forward pack has consistently provided a strong platform, allowing them to control phases and build pressure. If they can dominate the set piece and maintain discipline, they’ll look to dictate the tempo from the outset. St Edmund Hall, meanwhile, have impressed with their dynamism. Their ability to move the ball quickly and exploit space has caused problems for opponents throughout the competition. Expect them to test the Magdalen/St Hilda’s defence out wide and play with tempo whenever opportunities arise. It sure to be a high-intensity final.

See last year's match reports here: Cuppers Finals 2025

Across all four fixtures, Finals Day represents the best of Oxford college rugby: intensity, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community. With vocal support expected on the sidelines and everything to play for on the pitch, it promises to be a fitting conclusion to this year’s Cuppers campaign. With food and drinks vendors open during all the games and free entry it's sure to be a great day of rugby!