Ancient rivals battle it out in Scottish Varsity rugby matches

Ancient rugby rivals, the Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh, will go head to head in the world’s oldest varsity rugby matches this autumn.

The fixtures, believed to be the oldest Varsity match in the world, will see the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews’ rugby teams clash in an ancient rivalry on the international pitch at BT Murrayfield on Saturday 21 September.

Last year over 10,000 fans witnessed Edinburgh secure wins in both matches in a thrilling afternoon of student sport. Tickets are now on sale via the Scottish Rugby Online Ticket Centre.

Jamie Morrison, Captain of the University of St Andrews Men’s Rugby Team, said: “The opportunity to play on the international pitch really is an unbelievable experience.”

Tayla Hammond, Captain of the University of Edinburgh Women’s Rugby Team, added: “There really is an unreal atmosphere, and it’s fantastic to have so many people supporting women’s and student rugby.”

The event is supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland and is also run in partnership with Scottish Rugby, Campus Living Villages, Macron and PlayerLayer.

“We are delighted to be welcoming the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews to BT Murrayfield again for another exciting day of Varsity matches. We are looking forward to another set of hotly contested encounters and hope that everyone who attends has an enjoyable day supporting their University.” Dee Bradbury, Scottish Rugby President.

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair of the Scotland Board at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Scotland’s universities have a strong, historical relationship with rugby, and we are delighted to be supporting the great sporting rugby rivalry between these institutions.

“Through Royal Bank of Scotland RugbyForce we are helping support club and community rugby at all levels across Scotland and it is great to see this university clash taking place at the home of Scottish Rugby.”

Lee McLean, UK CEO of Campus Living Villages, added: “Campus Living Villages are delighted to once again sponsor this fantastic event, supporting our partners, the University of St Andrews.

“Our relationship with the University has gone from strength to strength since first partnering in 2014 to develop homes for the institution’s students, later becoming their Development Partner for Student Accommodation Projects in 2016.

“Our UK staff were amongst the 10,000 spectators at last year’s event at the BT Murrayfield stadium and we look forward to joining the crowds again at this year’s match, which is set to be even bigger than previous years.”

Tickets are only £5 for students and U18s and £10 for adults. This year a new family stand offers U16s the chance to experience top-level rugby at BT Murrayfield for free.

Tickets can be bought online.