Oxford and Cambridge will resume their iconic rivalry at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 25 March 2023.
151 years after the first Varsity Match, where University of Oxford defeated Cambridge at The Parks, Oxford in 1872, The Varsity Matches return with the teams meeting on Saturday, 25 March, at Twickenham Stadium.
Fixtures in what is often referred to as the ‘Battle of the Blues’ will be broadcast on ViaPlay Xtra (available on Sky TV channel 422 and Virgin TV channel 533) and live-streamed online.
Former England fly-half Toby Flood has been named captain of Cambridge men after his Varsity Matches debut in 2022. Speaking to the unique nature of the Varsity Matches, Flood said: “it’s a strange idea that a team could lose all previous fixtures and still have a successful season if they beat the Other Place. That is what makes it unique and incredibly special”.
Away from the players, there is also a fantastic presenter and commentators’ line-up who will deliver expert insight and analysis of both matches.
Bryn Lucas, a staple at Twickenham, will be returning as the television presenter, bringing years of experience presenting high-profile sports events.
The commentary team will consist of experienced TV presenter and Twickenham host Simon Ward, alongside Rugby World Cup winner and Harlequins centre Rachael Burford.
Casting their eagle eyes on the Women’s game will be a panel of former and current rugby players led by Rachael Burford, who will be joined by Anna Stodter and Charlie Willett.
Tom Mitchell, Tony Underwood and Damien Hopley make up the team of expert panellists for the men’s fixture. Both panels will provide pre- and mid-match analysis and insights.
Jefferies, the largest independent, global, full-service investment banking firm, continues its partnership with The Varsity Matches as the title sponsor for the second year running. The partnership will continue to drive further engagement in gender diversity, LGBTQ+ awareness and social change.
Ed Keen, Head of Equities EMEA at Jefferies, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with The Varsity Matches, which is already helping create a platform to engage with important social issues that resonate across sport and banking.
“Jefferies is proud to support a historic fixture that celebrates and promotes not only sporting excellence, but diversity and inclusion in sport. We also look forward to seeing what this year’s matches have in store!”
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, The Varsity Matches, the RFU, and Oxford and Cambridge University Rugby Clubs.
Follow The Varsity Matches on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and their website at thevarsitymatches.com for announcements.
