Swansea And Cardiff Students Go Head To Head In 20th Welsh Varsity
The biggest student sporting event in Wales draws to its climax on Wednesday (April 20, 2016) when Swansea and Cardiff universities compete in the 20th annual Varsity tournament.
This year’s competition is bigger than ever. More than 40 sports clubs from each university are competing over five days, ending in the showpiece men’s match for the Varsity Rugby Cup at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.
Events involving over 1,400 students will take place across Swansea and the Varsity Shield is awarded to the university with the most points across all sports. These include rowing, cycling, cricket, polo, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and netball. Five new sports have been introduced this year: archery, athletics, water-polo and king boxing.
Last year’s Varsity drew its biggest audience to date, with more than 20,000 spectators watching competitions, held mainly at the university’s Sports Village on Sketty Lane and the LC, and a crowd of 16,000-plus at the Liberty Stadium.
Swansea University has won the Welsh Varsity Cup match 13 times out of a possible 19, but Cardiff is the current holder.
Richard Lancaster, director of Welsh Varsity, and head of corporate events at Swansea University, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the 20th Varsity here in Swansea.
“Welsh Varsity has become a greatly anticipated event, a real highlight for athletes and supporters alike. Sport is all about local rivalries and the Varsity is no different. It’s a friendly rivalry between the students, and it’s wonderful to see so many of them taking in this unique event, with thousands more travelling to show their support.”
Spectators are welcome at Sketty Lane. The competition starts at 10am.
Tickets for the Varsity Cup rugby match will be available at the Liberty Stadium box office on the day. Kick-off is 7pm.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
