List of British and Irish varsity matches

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A varsity match is a fixture (especially of a sporting event or team) between two university teams. [1] The Scottish Varsity rugby match between the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh at Murrayfield stadium is claimed to be the oldest recurring varsity match in the world, having been played since the 1860s. [2] It is predated by the University Match in Cricket between Oxford and Cambridge, which was first played in 1827. [3]

Contents

Varsity in England

The country's longest-running series of varsity matches is played between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. In addition to the 1827 University Match in Cricket mentioned above, the first "Boat Race" in 1829 [4] the first "Varsity Match" (in Rugby Union) in 1872, [5] and the first "Varsity Game" (in Basketball) in 1921 were all contested between Oxford and Cambridge. Unusually for British university sporting events, both the Boat Race and Varsity Match are shown on broadcast television. [6] [7] Unlike many more recent varsity competitions, the Oxford–Cambridge matches stand alone rather than being part of a wider multi-sport varsity competition.

British newspaper The Independent proposed in 2008 that Bath vs Loughborough was "the real varsity match" on the basis that these were the top two teams (at that time) in British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) competitions. [8] Since 2015, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), the successor to BUSA, has organised fixtures between Loughborough and Durham (two of the top universities since 2011-12) to occur on the same day, in what has been termed the "BUCS Varsity". [9] [10]

A number of city and regional sporting rivalries exist between universities, which are also dubbed varsity matches. The Roses Tournament between the universities of York and Lancaster is one of the oldest and largest of these, dating back to 1965. It is frequently referred to as the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe. [11]

Interregional rivalries

Regional rivalries

East

London

Midlands

North East

North West

South East

South West

Yorkshire and the Humber

Varsity in Ireland

Varsity in Scotland

Varsity in Wales

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

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  2. ↑ "World's oldest varsity match returns to Scotland". The Herald (Glasgow). 19 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  3. ↑ "OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE PLAY THEIR FIRST CRICKET MATCH: 4 JUNE 1827". The History Channel. Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  4. ↑ "The Boat Race Basics". The Boat Race Company Ltd. Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
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  9. ↑ Matt Roberts (25 November 2015). "Durham's #BUCSWednesday breakdown". BUCS. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2018. Durham vs Loughborough on Wednesday 25th November is no ordinary day of University sport. It's been christened a Varsity and it will have all the hallmarks of one – jam packed, competitive and hectic. However, in truth, it will be so much more than that.
    Durham and Loughborough have topped the BUCS Points table every year since 2011/12 and it's for that reason that the day takes on such significance. It will be a celebration of top-level University sport, crucial in the outcome of this year's Premiership divisions and a veritable feast of sport for enthusiastic spectators.
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  11. ↑ Helen Johnson (18 May 2018). "Wars of the roses: How the rivalry between Yorkshire and Lancashire still exists today". The Yorkshire Post . Johnston Publishing Ltd. Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2018. The sporting rivalry between the two counties has even filtered through to University life, with an annual sporting competition called the 'Roses Tournament' existing between University of York and Lancaster University. This tournament began in 1965 and has been described numerous times as the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe.
  12. 1 2 "UEL Sports Challenge Cup". UEL Students' Union. Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
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