Leeds Rugby Varsity! It takes place every year during the spring season. Taking place at the infamous Headingley Stadium, Varsity is a day full of competitive cheer and spirit for students from the competing universities: University of Leeds (UoL) and Leeds Beckett University. Thankfully, it was a sunny day, which really enhanced the general atmosphere of both the men’s and women’s matches. Press for the matches arrived around three, and general audiences started to arrive around five.Â
Everyone was dressed in their colours, green for the University of Leeds and purple for Leeds Beckett. The community aspect of students and the wider public, coming together to support their team and be united, is great to see. It is definitely an event to look forward to every year, and the hype around it is definitely deserving.Â
Women’s Varsity Match:
The first match to take place was the women’s rugby at 5:15pm. Even though there were fewer crowds for the match, the energy from the crowd was still brilliant. People bought signs to support their friends and the other players in the game. It was a balanced game between the two teams; notably, Beckett’s defence was strong throughout the game. However, the UoL offence powered through the defence lines! To see the game up close, it was exhilarating to see every try (five points) and conversion (additional two points) be scored by each team. Each tackle was visceral, and the stakes felt incredibly high.
Throughout the game, the teamwork from Beckett shone through. Beckett’s Rose Bistow (player 5) was particularly good at getting through the UoL defence, scoring the first goal of the match. However, UoL really made a comeback in terms of their joint effort. The star player of the match was undoubtedly Immy Kerr, who was player 11 and a starting back position, scoring three tries in the match. There was a moment that did stand out in particular for me; Sophie Welham (player 18), near the end of the game, stormed through Beckett’s players and cleared the pitch with ease, cementing UoL’s win overall with 33-20! A special mention to Martha Riglar (player 15), who cleared each conversion kick and gained our team an additional six points, and to Rosie Gibbins, who is the captain of the team.Â
It was a brilliant game with each team clearly challenging the other. It was a momentous match, especially for the University of Leeds, as the women’s rugby team won for the first time since 2018! The crowds for the second half of the game really increased the energy for the game. Well done to all the players from UoL and Beckett for an entertaining match, and we will definitely be back next year!
Men’s Varsity Match:Â
After the end of the women’s match, the crowds started to really pour in for the men’s varsity match. The sun was starting to set, and the crowd’s energy was ecstatic and excited. You could hear loud chants from both crowds to motivate the players. The University of Leeds Gryphon mascot also came out to support in its full glory. This enhanced the crowd’s cheers and spirit for the upcoming game as the stands were filled with people.Â
The game started at 7:15 with a strong offence from both teams. It has to be said that Beckett’s team was incredible, as they scored point after point. This did not deflate our team’s efforts, and the UoL team gave a valiant effort against Beckett, refusing to feel defeated, and the crowd’s energy matched this. At half-time, the overall winners for Varsity were announced, and the University of Leeds had taken the win yet again! Roars and screams emerged from all over the stadium in celebration, as the mascot accepted the cup and came towards the crowds. Sweet Caroline and Mr Brightside were played, and everyone joined the sing-along. Emotions were high, the atmosphere was fantastic, and the energy was palpable. Although UoL did not take home the victory for the men’s rugby game, it has long been an ongoing tradition with Beckett, and it always produces an excellent match with a fantastic atmosphere. Leeds Beckett is known for their men’s rugby team, and they certainly were incredible. They won by a staggering 42 to 5 points. A huge applause to the Leeds Beckett team for their win, and to the Uni of Leeds for their determination in the game.Â
I would like to shout out to the media team handling all the broadcasts of the Varsity match! Leeds Student Television and Leeds Student Radio were so thorough with everything: audio, camera work and the livestream for the games. They did a fantastic job in capturing both the matches, so that anyone could watch it from their homes. Also, a special mention to all the staff who helped to run the event and ensured the safety of everyone involved. Varsity is one of the biggest events among the universities here, and for good reason. The general atmosphere never got too out of hand and it is something that everyone who comes here should go to at least once. The rugby matches themselves were fun and engaging, but they should always be viewed with good sportsmanship and respect. Again, a massive congratulations to all the players – you were all fantastic!
Editor: Emily Markham