Vault for the Varsity Shield.

A grudge match of epic proportions, Varsity sees Wales’ two premier universities clash in over 20 events to find the deserving winner of the Varsity Shield, a symbol of all-round sporting excellence.

Students from both Universities will cheer on their teams at venues across Cardiff until the atmosphere reaches fever pitch at the main event, the fight for the Varsity Cup at the home of Welsh Rugby, the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

So, get ready for tonight’s intense and ferocious battle as university rivals Cardiff and Swansea go head-to-head in their annual Varsity match, broadcast live on S4C for the first time.

The match, making its debut at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, will be shown live at 7.25pm. Both teams have had their share of the spoils in recent years with Cardiff winning in 2008 and 2009 and Swansea winning back the Cup in their last outing.

History.

The first Welsh Varsity rugby match was played in 1997, right here in the Welsh capital at Cardiff Arms Park. The match saw the two premier Welsh universities battling it out, with all proceeds from the event going to Oxfam.

Over the years that followed, the Varsity match was held alternatively at Cardiff Arms Park and St Helens, the home of Swansea Rugby Club. It has also been held at the neutral ground of the Brewery field in Bridgend. But, of course 2011 is a special year because its is the games 15th anniversary and for the first time, the match will be played at the Cardiffs Millennium Stadium.

Keeping Score?

Since the first match in 1997, Swansea has dominated the event winning 9 out of 14 games. However, in recent years, Cardiff has been turning the tide, winning the matches in both 2008 and 2009. Swansea University regularly enjoyed the ability to select very talented players. The likes of Alun Wynn Jones, Ritchie Pugh and Dwayne Peel were all current Welsh Internationals when they played in their Varsity squads. 2007 saw Swansea field no less than 11 FIRA Internationals at varying ages.

Cardiff has enjoyed success in recent years with the introduction of a Head of Rugby Post at Cardiff University. Martyn Fowler, the current Head of Rugby, was involved in both Cardiff victories. Talented rugby players have always attended Cardiff University but the introduction of the new post and subsequent rugby program ensures the Cardiff students have every development opportunity available to them in preparation for Varsity and their BUSA Premier A league competition.

The battles on! Green vs Reds...COME ON CARDIFF!

-ZB