This Wednesday sees the second Welsh Varsity match between Cardiff University and Swansea University, with this year’s event taking place at Cardiff University Sports Fields in Llanrumney (kick-off 11am).
Swansea won the first-ever Rugby League Welsh Varsity match last year, which was played at their home, but Cardiff will go into this match full of confidence after winning the Men’s Southern Tier 2 League and then the Southern Conference Cup, when they beat Oxford Brookes 34-8 in the final.
Their opponents played at a level higher during the 2024-25 season and came second in Men’s Southern Tier 1 and then lost in the quarter-finals of the National Trophy Loughborough Men’s 2.
The Welsh Varsity is the second biggest Varsity event in Britain. A festival of sport, the tournament sees over 50 fixtures across a range of sports compete for the coveted Welsh Varsity Shield.
Cardiff captain Patrick Walsh said: “It has been a great season for Rugby League at Cardiff University. We’ve won the league, been promoted, and won the cup. The club itself is growing and thriving as there is a clear want for rugby league at the University and it is a privilege to be a part of the pioneers that are able to deliver that.
“With regards to the Welsh Varsity, we are really looking forward to a test from Swansea. Last year they were able to get the better of us but this year we are confident that we will be able to deliver. We have been working incredibly hard to iron out weaknesses during varsity camp and have improved massively with each week. It will be by far our most difficult game of the year as Swansea are a great side, but the side we have going into matchday are hungry to take the spoils.”
Swansea captain Eli Weekes said: “After earning promotion to Southern Tier 1, we stepped into this campaign with something to prove. From the very start, we showed that we belonged at this level leading the table for the majority of the season and delivering standout performances week in, week out. Although we narrowly missed out on top spot, finishing second in the league, our efforts have cemented Swansea as a top quality league side.
“Now our focus turns to the biggest event of the year- Varsity. For us, this fixture is more than just a game; it’s about pride, passion, and ultimately winning the rivalry. The squad has been putting in the work with numerous sessions. For many of us, it’s the last chance to wear our badge on the pitch and so I know everyone is keen for a big finale to our season this Wednesday.”
For more information on the day and to buy tickets, please go to https://www.cardiffstudents.com/whatson/annual/varsity/
