Hundreds of talented sports students will represent Cardiff University in a day of gruelling competition that will test their skills and fitness to the limit.
On Wednesday 28th April 2010 students from sports clubs at Cardiff will take on their counterparts at Swansea University in the annual Varsity sporting clash that sees teams competing for the Varsity Cup and the Varsity Shield.
This year’s event is being held in Swansea and Cardiff students will be defending their title after winning the Varsity series last year. They will battle it out in 17 different sports for the Cup including basketball, American football, lacrosse, golf and badminton.
President of the Athletic Union, Olly Birrell said: “Now in its fourteenth successful year Varsity has become the largest sporting event in the student calendar, coming far from its original roots. It has developed into a total sporting experience complete with a buzzing atmosphere, and a wide range of sports and entertainment during the day.
“It’s with great pride as both Athletic Union President, but more importantly as a Cardiff University student, to say that we currently hold both the Varsity Cup and Shield. The Cup has been within our walls now for two years running, a feat never before achieved, and one I’m confident we will see repeated.”
The day will culminate with the Welsh Varsity Rugby match where Cardiff and Swansea rugby teams take to the pitch to compete for the Varsity Shield. The Cardiff team hope to repeat their previous Varsity success and emerge as victors for the third consecutive year.
Martyn Fowler, Head of Rugby at Cardiff University said: “The team have been training hard and are buoyed by their success in the SWALEC plate fixtures.
“The match has become a showcase for talented rugby players and many go on to have professional careers in the sport.”
Held at Liberty Stadium, the match is expected to attract more than 10,000 spectators and will raise money for the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust – a charity that provides help and support to severely injured rugby players and their families in Wales.
The game kicks off at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the Student Union. Half time entertainment will be provided by cheerleading teams from both Cardiff and Swansea University’s.
