Glasgow Rugby varsity
The Glasgow Rugby Varsity is an annual rugby showcase between Glasgow’s biggest university rivals, Strathclyde and Glasgow. The event sees a fiercely competitive battle for the Rugby Varisty Trophy with the men's and women's fixtures taking place in one evening of action packed rugby at Scotstoun Stadium, the home of Glasgow Warriors. In 2023 the 3000+ seater main stand was sold out and the atmosphere was electric, including half time performances from the University of Strathclyde's Cheerleading club, Strathclyde Warriors.
2024 Event:
Date: Friday 8th March 2024
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium
Doors: From 4:30pm
Match Kick Off: Women's 5:15pm / Men's 7:30pm
Tickets: From £12.50. The Strathclyde end is now fully sold out, but we have tickets still available within General Admission.
The History of Rugby Varsity
Glasgow Rugby Vasity first took place in 2016. Since then, the Strathclyde men's team have won the trophy every year. In 2023, Strathclyde defeated Glasgow 19 points to 12. The event didn't take place in 2020 due to COVID-19 but was back in action 2021 with Strathclyde taking the win again.
Historically there hasn't been a women's rugby varsity match take place alongside the men's, but for the 2023 Rugby Varsity we saw the women's fixture be included for the first time ever. It was a nail biting back and fourth match which culminated in a winning penalty try from Glasgow, finishing 22-17.
The event saw a new partnership agreed in 2023 with Glasgow Warriors. The professional rugby club have given the teams a fantastic opportunity to play at their home ground at Scotstoun Stadium and experience a game atmosphere like no other student experience.
Glasgow Warriors Manging Director, Al Kellock, said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome players and students from across the city to our home at Scotstoun Stadium. With more than 3,000 spectators expected to turn out for the games this is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with a new audience and give them a warm Glasgow Warriors welcome."
Pictured: STRATHCLYDE Women's Rugby team taking part in Rugby varsity for the first time in 2023
What makes VARSITY SO SPECIAL?
University of Strathclyde Director of Sport and Active Health Neil Brown said: “Glasgow Rugby Varsity is a fantastic event and an opportunity to celebrate our successful partnership with Glasgow Warriors. For the first time, both women’s and men’s clubs are playing in a double header and the fact that we’re anticipating to sell out the main stand at Scotstoun demonstrates what an exciting time it is for student sport.”
The University of Strathclyde has a long and very compeititve sporting history with the University of Glasgow. Having a stand alone event like Rugby Varsity, captures the essence this competitiness but also reinforces the value that sport can having for students and the wider community.
Pictured: STRATHCLYDE spectators supporting our teams in 2023
Varsity Eligibility
Eligibility for Varsity matches are as follows:
- Must be a fully registered member of the Sports Union
- Must be a current and fully regsitered student at the University
- Must be a current paid member of the Rugby Club
Pictured: STRATHCLYDE mens rugby team celebrating their win in 2023
Tickets
Tickets for the 2024 event are currently on sale and can be purchased on the SRU website either within the Strathclyde Blocks, or General Admission.
Pictured: STRATHCLYDE Warriors cheerleading varsity team performing during the half time break in 2023