THE second Wales Rugby League Varsity Match will take place on Wednesday, with Cardiff and Swansea again going head-to-head, and both sets of players will no doubt be delighted that the game at Cardiff University Sports Fields, Llanrumney, will kick off at 11.00am rather than the designated start time, twelve months ago, of 9.00am.
Swansea, who enjoyed home advantage in 2024, are the current holders of the fledgling trophy, but Cardiff head into the fixture in confident mood, having topped the Men’s Southern Tier 2 League before accounting for Oxford Brookes 34-8 in the Southern Conference Cup final.
However Swansea were runners-up in the Men’s Southern Tier 1 and reached the quarter-finals of the National Trophy before slipping to Loughborough.
The Welsh Varsity, which encompasses a wide range of sports, is hailed as the second-biggest Varsity event in Britain.
Wales RL media manager Ian Golden said: “As a festival of sport, the tournament takes in more than 50 fixtures across a range of sports, competing 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 are growing and thriving as there is a clear desire for Rugby League at the university. It is a privilege to be a part of the pioneers who 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 we are confident we will be able to deliver.
“We have been working incredibly hard to iron out weaknesses 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 team 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 belong at this level, leading the table for the majority of the season and delivering stand-out 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 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 have 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.”
Visit https://www.cardiffstudents.com/whatson/annual/varsity/ to purchase tickets.
