Varsity Matches

Every year, Cambridge and Oxford students compete against each other across a wide range of sports. Varsity fixtures have a long history and take place at venues across the country. Many alternate between Oxford and Cambridge, and some are held at iconic UK sporting venues.

A brief history

The Varsity tradition began in June 1827, when Charles Wordsworth of Christ Church, Oxford, arranged a two-day cricket match against Cambridge at Lord's. The first Boat Race was held in 1829, rowed over two and a quarter miles between Hambleden Lock and Henley Bridge.

During a later Boat Race, one of the Cambridge oarsmen tied a light blue ribbon to the bow of the boat. The colour came from his school, Eton College. Oxford adopted dark blue to represent Christ Church College. Both colours have been used ever since. Cambridge athletes compete in light blue, Oxford in dark blue. First teams at both universities are known as "the Blues."

Student-athletes who represent Cambridge in a Varsity match can earn a "Blue" or "Half Blue," depending on their sport's criteria.

Today

Varsity Matches now span more than 60 sports, from archery to yacht racing, with thousands of students taking part each year. Whether you're competing for a Blue or cheering from the sidelines, it's one of the highlights of sport at Cambridge.

Most Varsity matches take place in February and March. Check our events page, and follow our Instagram and the individual clubs' Instagram pages, for updates.

Contact: support@sport.ac.uk with any queries, and the team will get back to you.