The country's longest-running series of varsity matches is played between the
University of Oxford and the
University of Cambridge. In addition to the 1827 University Match in Cricket mentioned above, the first "
Boat Race" in 1829[4] the first "
Varsity Match" (in Rugby Union) in 1872,[5] and the first "
Varsity Game" (in Basketball) in 1921 were all contested between Oxford and Cambridge. Unusually for British university sporting events, both the Boat Race and Varsity Match are shown on broadcast television.[6][7] Unlike many more recent varsity competitions, the Oxford–Cambridge matches stand alone rather than being part of a wider multi-sport varsity competition.
A number of city and regional sporting rivalries exist between universities, which are also dubbed varsity matches. The
Roses Tournament between the universities of
York and
Lancaster is one of the oldest and largest of these, dating back to 1965. It is frequently referred to as the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe.[11]
The
Macadam Cup[38] – Swimming gala, Water polo, Badminton, Squash, Hockey (men and women), Mixed fencing, Mixed tennis, Ultimate frisbee, Rugby (men and women), Netball, Lacrosse, Football (men and women) and Darts
^Matt Roberts (25 November 2015).
"Durham's #BUCSWednesday breakdown". BUCS.
Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2018. Durham vs Loughborough on Wednesday 25th November is no ordinary day of University sport. It's been christened a Varsity and it will have all the hallmarks of one – jam packed, competitive and hectic. However, in truth, it will be so much more than that. Durham and Loughborough have topped the BUCS Points table every year since 2011/12 and it's for that reason that the day takes on such significance. It will be a celebration of top-level University sport, crucial in the outcome of this year's Premiership divisions and a veritable feast of sport for enthusiastic spectators.
^Helen Johnson (18 May 2018).
"Wars of the roses: How the rivalry between Yorkshire and Lancashire still exists today". The Yorkshire Post. Johnston Publishing Ltd.
Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2018. The sporting rivalry between the two counties has even filtered through to University life, with an annual sporting competition called the 'Roses Tournament' existing between University of York and Lancaster University. This tournament began in 1965 and has been described numerous times as the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe.
The country's longest-running series of varsity matches is played between the
University of Oxford and the
University of Cambridge. In addition to the 1827 University Match in Cricket mentioned above, the first "
Boat Race" in 1829[4] the first "
Varsity Match" (in Rugby Union) in 1872,[5] and the first "
Varsity Game" (in Basketball) in 1921 were all contested between Oxford and Cambridge. Unusually for British university sporting events, both the Boat Race and Varsity Match are shown on broadcast television.[6][7] Unlike many more recent varsity competitions, the Oxford–Cambridge matches stand alone rather than being part of a wider multi-sport varsity competition.
A number of city and regional sporting rivalries exist between universities, which are also dubbed varsity matches. The
Roses Tournament between the universities of
York and
Lancaster is one of the oldest and largest of these, dating back to 1965. It is frequently referred to as the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe.[11]
The
Macadam Cup[38] – Swimming gala, Water polo, Badminton, Squash, Hockey (men and women), Mixed fencing, Mixed tennis, Ultimate frisbee, Rugby (men and women), Netball, Lacrosse, Football (men and women) and Darts
^Matt Roberts (25 November 2015).
"Durham's #BUCSWednesday breakdown". BUCS.
Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2018. Durham vs Loughborough on Wednesday 25th November is no ordinary day of University sport. It's been christened a Varsity and it will have all the hallmarks of one – jam packed, competitive and hectic. However, in truth, it will be so much more than that. Durham and Loughborough have topped the BUCS Points table every year since 2011/12 and it's for that reason that the day takes on such significance. It will be a celebration of top-level University sport, crucial in the outcome of this year's Premiership divisions and a veritable feast of sport for enthusiastic spectators.
^Helen Johnson (18 May 2018).
"Wars of the roses: How the rivalry between Yorkshire and Lancashire still exists today". The Yorkshire Post. Johnston Publishing Ltd.
Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2018. The sporting rivalry between the two counties has even filtered through to University life, with an annual sporting competition called the 'Roses Tournament' existing between University of York and Lancaster University. This tournament began in 1965 and has been described numerous times as the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe.