Welsh Varsity started out 26 years ago as a rugby match between Cardiff University students and Swansea University students. Today it's so much more than that.
In recent years the match has been played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and the Swansea.com Stadium in Swansea, with live coverage on S4C. Past student players have gone on to play for the Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Llanelli Scarlets and even internationally for Wales so expect a high standard on the field.
Rainbow Laces
In 2015, Welsh Varsity sports teams laced up for the first time and showed their support for the Rainbow Laces campaign. The campaign was launched by Stonewall with the aim of ridding sport of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia through getting players, clubs and fans to stand together and send out a message that it has no place in sport today. Sadly, discrimination remains a huge problem in many sports. Fear of abuse and discrimination excludes lesbian, gay, bi or trans people and puts them off taking part or even watching sport.
Sport plays a huge part in university life for a great number of students all over the UK. It provides extra-curricular activities as a break from studies; not only having health and fitness benefits but also providing a great opportunity to meet and make new friends. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ students feel excluded or uncomfortable participating because of factors including the culture, structure and physical environment in which sport takes place.
Mind
In 2025, Cardiff Students' Union is partnering with Mind to raise awareness of Mental Health. 1 in 4 people have mental health problems and Mind Cymru are here to make sure no one in Wales faces a mental health problem alone.
Sport has great benefits for physical and mental health, but our student athletes can still become overwhelmed. They train and compete week in and week out all while running a sports club, studying, meeting deadlines, working part time or even caring for someone. They are super stars and can still experience mental health problems. This year's official Welsh Varsity t-shirts worn by supporters will feature the Mind logo to spread the word about this important charity and to remind everyone to look out for one another.