St. Edward's vs. Abingdon School
On Friday 25th September 2026, St. Edwards School, Oxford (affectionately known as Teddy’s), and Abingdon School are enacting the newest chapter in an Oxfordshire Rugby rivalry, with Iffley Road as its backdrop. The hotly-anticipated fixture between the two kicks off at 6:45pm, and gates will open at 5:30.
Last year’s fixture, in the opening round of the National Cup, resulted in a 40-15 win for Abingdon, so Teddy’s will be out for blood in what promises to be a fiery matchup. Teddy’s last outing at Iffley Road, against Magdalen College School in September 2025, resulted in a 37-10 win, so the Oxford school, situated only a couple of miles from OURFC, might feel they have a home advantage.
Jon Vermont, coaching the Abingdon team, is hoping to see his team’s efforts come to fruition in this fixture:
The players and staff are incredibly excited about not only playing St Edward’s but also playing at such a prestigious ground like Iffley Road. Although results haven’t always gone our away, we are trending in the right direction and are looking forward to what will be a fiercely contested fixture. We played St Edward’s in the first round of the National Cup last year and won convincingly, but I’m sure they will want revenge on Friday 25th September, so we will need to be at our very best.
Joe Winpenny, DOR at St. Edwards, knows Iffley Road well, and is looking forward to watching Teddy's put a productive, international preseason to use:
We are really excited to be returning to the Iffley Road again this year for our showpiece fixture where we will be taking on a really strong Abingdon team. It is a day in the sporting calendar that everyone at Teddies looks forward to, and we are planning for a bigger crowd and better atmosphere than ever before. The boys have been in great form after an extremely successful tour to Argentina over the summer and should be ready for the game after facing Cheltenham College and Warwick in their first two matches of the season. A huge thank you must go out to everyone at OURFC for all the hard work behind the scenes to put on such a wonderful event, we can’t wait to rip in.
After tireless work from our groundsmen all summer, Iffley Road is all set for the day, and OURFC is looking forward to welcoming over 1,500 people through its gates. The Pavilion bar will be open from 5:45pm, and the ever-popular Oxford Street Food are returning to provide their fantastic selection of street food to hungry spectators – don't miss out on what promises to be a thrilling season opener at Iffley Road.
Get your tickets now at the link below.
The West Stand is solely for the use of St Edward’s students, staff and friends, and Blocks A, B and C of the East Stand are for the use of the Abingdon School community. Both stands are alcohol-free. Entry to East Stand Blocks D, E and F, or to the standing areas of the ground for members of the public is £5 got adults (U18s free). Parking is also available at Iffley Road for £10, but must be booked in advance via the ticket link.
Tickets are also now available via our website for when the Tigers come to town on 16th October, as the Blues take on the first of various Prem Rugby outfits this season. Secure your spot now to watch Reed Prinsep’s men embark on their campaign to retain the Varsity Match trophy – Iffley will be rocking, and this isn’t one to miss.
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