The Millennium Stadium will host the 15th anniversary rugby showdown between the Cardiff and Swansea University rugby teams when they meet for the Welsh Varsity 2011 on Wednesday, 30 March, 2011.
The clash between Wales’ biggest universities is the showpiece event of their annual Varsity programme and will be held for the first time on the neutral ground of the Millennium Stadium.
Welsh Varsity is the hottest date in the calendar for students and rugby fans and with tickets priced at an attractive £10 per person, organisers are confident that March 30 will be an occasion to remember.
WRU National Development Manager Jason Lewis said: “Our universities are arguably some of our biggest rugby clubs in Wales in terms of the number of teams they put out on a weekly basis, be it representative or inter-mural teams.
“As a Union we want to reach out to colleges and universities and find ways of supporting the rugby that is played at this level because, ultimately, those players are our club players, coaches and match officials of the future. We don’t want to lose them from the game and it’s important they are welcomed into our clubs when they leave university.
“There is also an opportunity for late developers to break through into the professional game via university and college rugby and there is a vital role for us to play in order to make the most of that potential.”
Swansea University Law graduate and Wales and Ospreys second row, Alun Wyn Jones is looking forward to a spectacular contest between Wales’ premier university teams.
“Varsity is always a massive fixture attracting superb support from University students and alumni and it is fantastic news that the home of Welsh international rugby will be hosting next year’s event,” he said.
“Swansea’s successful record to date shows the passion and preparation that the University show at each Varsity fixture and I’m confident that they will be driving back up the M4 with the trophy next year.”
A bumper 11,000 fans turned out at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium in 2010 to watch the local lads’ victory over Cardiff RFC (16-12) and Cardiff medical student Jamie Roberts hopes that the Cardiff side will find some Millennium magic in the upcoming meeting.
“There’s nothing better than to play rugby with your mates, and that’s what’s so great about university rugby. I’m a Cardiff boy through and through and I’ll be rooting for my fellow university side on March 30th,” said the British Lions, Wales and Cardiff Blues centre.
“Varsity is the definitive moment of the season where two teams with an intense rivalry bring everything to the pitch,” said Mark Schropfer, Cardiff University Rugby Club captain.
“To represent the University in such a prestigious event with such a great history is truly an honour. For most, it is the biggest event we will ever play in and for others, perhaps a building block to develop their career, but for all of us it is the crowning moment of every season with Cardiff University Rugby Club.
“There is great pride in playing well in front of the student population and family and I’m sure spectators can see what Varsity is all about; the passion, the spirit and the team.”
Swansea University Rugby captain, Rhodri Clancy, said: “I feel honored and privileged to be able to lead Swansea out on the field at the home of Welsh rugby. The Varsity match is a culmination of a long and hard season in the British Premiership and is the highlight of the sporting year in Swansea.
“We have an extremely proud history in the game and will be doing all we possibly can to retain the trophy.”
In the early years the Welsh Varsity Match was held alternatively at Cardiff Arms Park and St Helens, the home of Swansea Rugby Club. In 2003 and until 2007 the game was held at the neutral ground of the Brewery field in Bridgend.
For next year’s Millennium Stadium encounter, tickets to support both Swansea and Cardiff are available from Ticketmaster online: ticketmaster.co.uk and via telephone: 08442 777888.
For Cardiff students, visit welshvarsity.com, cardiffboxoffice.com or call in to Cardiff Student’ Union Box Office.
